11 Head Start Programs Earn Program of Excellence Accreditation

November 21, 2025

Alexandria, Va. – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is recognizing 11 Head Start programs across the country for their excellence in providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services, as part of their 2025-30 Program of Excellence accreditation.

The Program of Excellence commendation is awarded to top Head Start and Early Head Start programs for delivering a well-rounded classroom experience and comprehensive services associated with robust positive outcomes to children from birth to age five, their families, expectant parents, and their communities.

“Head Start programs serve 750,000 families in every state of the country, across all ethnicities, religions, cultures, linguistic backgrounds, family structures, and learning abilities. These 11 programs exemplify the commitment and excellence that all Head Start programs strive for,” says NHSA’s Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “NHSA is thrilled to shine a national spotlight on their dedication to providing outstanding education to young children and life-changing support and resources to their families, who might otherwise lack such opportunities. This helps parents build brighter futures and break the cycle of generational poverty.”

The 2025-30 Program of Excellence accredited programs are:

• Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP)/Washington County Head Start Coon Rapids, Minnesota
• Bolivar County Head Start Program Cleveland, Mississippi
• Children First Sarasota, Florida
• Children’s Institute Los Angeles, California
• Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority, Inc. Brunswick, Georgia
• Davis School District Head Start Kaysville, Utah
• Fort Valley State University Head Start/Early Head Start–Child Care Partnerships Fort Valley, Georgia
• Geminus Head Start Merrillville, Indiana
• Hidalgo County Head Start Program McAllen, Texas
• Utah Community Action Head Start Salt Lake City, Utah
• West Bend Joint School District No. 1 West Bend, Wisconsin

Program winners will be formally recognized in January 2026 at NHSA’s Winter Leadership Institute, in Washington, D.C.