Every child deserves the best start she or he can have, no matter their circumstances. That’s why Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) has, for more than 30 years, provided the highest quality early childhood education to children who otherwise might have been left behind. When children receive the quality early childhood education they deserve, not only do children fare better, but communities do, too.
The first five years of a child’s life are absolutely essential in preparing them for a healthy, happy and successful future.
It can be intimidating to make the right choice for your child’s future. Rest assured, you are in good hands. At LSF Head Start our priority is your child.
``My name is Loemys Rivera, and I was raised in a small town in Puerto Rico, called Arecibo. Head Start has changed my life in many ways! My mom was a 44-year-olds single mom of an only child, me. With a 9th grade education level. She did the best she could to teach me, until she heard people talking about the Head Start programs, so she decided to see if we qualified, and we did. And our journey started there, I was a Head Start child and it gave me a big advantage in the education I was getting, I learned the essentials that I needed to move forward in life. My mother learned a lot by volunteering at Head Start, then she obtained her high school diploma, and found a job in the Department of Education of Puerto Rico as a cook. She got more involved in my education and the staff worked side by side with her. If she didn’t understand something they were happy to help, and she never felt alone or lost. All these beautiful things happened because of the opportunity that Head Start programs gave us. Now I’m a mother of two children and a proud Head Start parent. I have learned so much about the program and all its benefits. It has helped me to be a better mom. I’ve worked with Head Start staff side by side, learning and advocating on behalf of my kids. I don’t know where we would be without Head Start, they are our family. And we would like to take the time to express how thankful we are that Head Start was available in our community during an important time in our lives. We believe that this is a valuable program in our community and in all areas, it is offered. I decided a career in early childhood is the right fit for me and I do my Bachelor’s Degree in Education. And currently earning my Child Development Associate. Today, I’m a preschool teacher for Head Start and helping make sure that young children have the same opportunity the program gives to me and my children. Head start changed my life because it allowed me to pursue a fulfilling career working with children and their families. My experiences with Head Start are unique, and I feel fortunate to be able to share daily interactions with a group of wonderful people. And, what puts a smile on my face is having my children enrolled in Head Start. Every time they come home, they have a story about what they learned and how much they love their teachers. We appreciate Head Start! Without Head Start and all the great experiences I've gained, I wouldn't be the person I am today! I'm grateful every day for being a part of such an amazing program.``
Loemys Rivera
"Early Head Start and Head Start has been a blessing and miracle for me and my family since 2018. My son was in Head Start and now my daughter is in Early Head Start. I have seen with my own eyes; Head Start's patience and resourcefulness, the core values in action, the compassion from the teachers, how hard they work and their encouragement with the kids; it has been a beautiful thing to see. My babies are more confident and comfortable with learning and with others. I THANK Head Start for helping me on this journey."
Alysa Walston
"I was so glad I was able to get my daughter into Head Start this year instead of sending her to daycare. She was already smart by now she knows so much more!”
Irivin Solomon
“Because of Head Start, my children were honor roll students when they started school. They love school because of Head Start. It taught them how to be self-sufficient.”
Katrina McGriff
“Choose LSF Head Start because it not only provides childcare but they provide you the chance to figure out what you want to achieve and who you want to be as as a parent. The benefits aren’t only for the kids.”
Pakethia Calvey
Children from birth to age 5 from families with low income, according to the federal Poverty Guidelines, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care, children experiencing homelessness, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.
Pregnant women and pregnant people may also be eligible for Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care are Head Start-eligible, regardless of family income.
Programs must ensure at least 10% of its total funded enrollment is filled by children eligible for services under Section 619 or Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure certain conditions are met. Contact Us for more information.
If you are ineligible for Head Start services, ChildCare.gov can help you locate other child care services in your community.
