Founded by the Junior League in 1961, Children First, Inc., proudly operates a total of 13 sites strategically located in Sarasota County, Florida serving 216 Early Head Start children and pregnant people and 312 Head Start children as well as children in our Early Childhood Education Program in Florida’s Voluntary Pre-kindergarten program, and state scholarship or private pay, blending services while providing the comprehensive Head Start model to all.

Areas of Innovation: Nurturing Dads Initiative, Families First Institute, Mental Wellness Support Program, Take Stock in Children First, Raise Your Hand Campaign, numerous community partnerships and a strong and involved Board of Directors.

In their own words: “Our mission reflects our underlying aspiration for the successful achievement of Head Start and Early Head Start goals and objectives and our main priority of kindergarten readiness for all children and self-sufficiency for the families we serve.”

The Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program of Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County serves approximately 2,500 children and their families annually in nine California counties.

Areas of Innovation: family child care; parent, family, and community engagement; gardening and natural play; professional development for parents, staff, and community partners; and technology-based training, resources, and tools.

In their own words: “The Quality Initiative has helped our programs focus on our achievements, where we are, and where we wish to go. It has also helped us craft descriptions of various program components, which we now use in program brochures and other promotional tools… Lastly, MSHS staff has taken pride that they are part of an excellent program, and this has assisted with maintaining a high level of morale.”

Salt Lake CAP Head Start draws on its strengths and connections in the community to act more like a business to generate revenue. With federal Head Start budget cuts looming and fewer consistent donors, our director began to strategize ways to diversify funding streams, leverage new funders, and create sustainable sources of unrestricted revenue. Erin built relationships with the private sector, hired experienced and capable staff, and challenged herself and the community to collaborate in the interest of building sustainable and innovative solutions to poverty and hunger that would promise a strong return on investment.

In their own words: “Salt Lake CAP Head Start applied for the QI because management and staff believe it is important to run a top-notch agency at all times. Children living in poverty should be able to receive the best services they can and SLCAP Head Start prides ourselves on being innovative, creative, fiscally responsible, and a high functioning agency.”

Head Start of Greater Dallas (HSGD) began in 1968 and currently serves 4,152 Head Start and Early Head Start children and their families at 46 centers located throughout low-income areas of Dallas County at stand-alone centers, ISDs, childcare partners and delegates.

In their own words: “Our focus is a shared vision and goal of providing high quality school readiness outcomes for children and family self-sufficiency. Head Start of Greater Dallas, Inc. offers children a rich learning environment that promotes growth in all domains. Further the curriculum is enhanced with science, technology, engineering and math as well as programming for dual language learners.”

Mid Florida Community Services (MFCS) Head Start is proud to serve 977 children and their families through center-based services in three counties in central Florida. By ensuring all teachers are bachelor degreed and have been trained in “Making the Most of Classroom Interactions” (MMCI), Mid Florida Community Services’ CLASS scores have consistently exceeded the national average. Their partnership with a local school district to provide blended classrooms, staffed by Head Start and the LEA, have further ensured that strong support services are provided for children with disabilities.

MFCS works closely with local higher education institutions to enhance services in their program, while also providing practical experiences for the university students. This has allowed MFCS to implement a number of innovative initiatives such as, school gardens with the University of Florida extension office, Arts on the Grow with the Museum of Art, and collaborations with the local health department.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Head Start/Early Head Start currently serve 3,107 three- and four-year-olds and 343 infants and toddlers through its 19 Hillsborough County operated centers, 4 contracted centers, and 3 delegate agencies. The program is one of the largest in the Southeastern United States and operates a full-day/full-year program for families who are either working a minimum of 20 hours per week, in school, or job training.

Founded by concerned parents in 1969, Parents In Community Action, Inc. (PICA) is a private, nonprofit agency that operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Hennepin County, Minnesota, and provides a wide range of other early childhood and family development services for young children and their families living at or below the federal poverty level.

As the largest provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in the state of Minnesota, PICA serves over 2,600 low-income children and their families in 12 state-of-the-art early childhood centers located throughout Hennepin County. An NHSA Program of Excellence since 1999, PICA has been recognized nationally for its locally designed program options, its successful in-house parent training programs, and its model of inter-agency collaboration.

Community Services for Children Head Start and Early Head Start of the Lehigh Valley serves 1,240 children and their families in center-based and home-based settings.

Areas of Innovation: STEM Demonstration Classroom, Literacy Technology Labs, Natural Learning and Arts Integration, and University Research Grants.

Lutheran Services Florida Pinellas Head Start/Early Head Start serves 1,600 children and families in Pinellas County, FL. The program has strong leadership and is intentional about measuring their performance and using data to inform and drive program improvements. Effective mentor coaching and training and support program’s for parents are also embedded into program practices.