Early Childhood
Early Head Start
Early Head Start is a free, federally funded program designed to promote school readiness for low income, at-risk children and families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and families with children under age 3.
Head Start
UDMO Early Childhood Programs are free, federally and state funded programs, designed to promote school readiness for low income, at-risk children and families. Head Start serves children ages 3 and 4.
UDMO Early Childhood Programs are free federally and state funded programs serving pregnant women and children up to five years old and their families. Our programs offer comprehensive services through home and center-based options for low-income children and families throughout eight counties. These services include: education, family engagement, disabilities, health and nutrition. Our services and resources are designed to foster stable family relationships, enhance children’s well-being, and prepare children and families for kindergarten.
UDMO Early Childhood Programs
Home-Based Option:
A Home-Base Teacher completes weekly visits in the child’s home and provides individualized learning opportunities. Play dates called socializations are offered two times per month for children and their parents. For Early Head Start call: Estherville (712-765-1058), Spencer (712-264-8859) and Storm Lake (712-732-1358).
Center-Based Option:
Education and child development services are delivered in a preschool classroom five full days. Early Head Start has centers in Estherville (712-765-1058), Spencer (712-264-8859) and Storm Lake (712-732-1358).
For more information on all Head Start Center Based Programs call: (712) 859-3885 x1004 or (800) 245-6151 x1004.
What are the Benefits of the Early Childhood Programs?
The programs are free for pregnant women and children under the age of 5
Your child will be more prepared for kindergarten and excited to learn
Enhances child's cognitive, social and emotional development through center and home-based services
Safe and nurturing learning environments that promote children's growth in language, literacy and social and emotional development
Offers nutritious meals at the centers and nutritional activities for home-based
Dedicated qualified staff in early childhood
Offers health screens, referrals and resources, including prenatal education
Family engagement opportunities such has socializations, parent meetings and connecting families with referrals and resources
What is Required for Program Eligibility?
UDMO is an equal opportunity provider. Ninety-six percent of children enrolled are at or below 130% poverty guidelines. Ten percent of the enrollment opportunities are made available to children with disabilities or high needs whose income exceeds the 130% poverty guidelines. UDMO Head Start, Early Head Start & the Shared Visions programs must not deny placement on the basis of disability or its severity to any child when:
- The parents wish to enroll the child.
- The child meets the age and eligibility criteria.
- UDMO Early Childhood Programs are an appropriate placement according to the child's IEP or IFSP.
- The program has space to enroll more children.
Early Head Start is offered in the following counties:
- Buena Vista
- Clay
- Emmet
Head Start is offered in the following counties:
- Buena Vista
- Clay
- Dickinson
- Emmet
- O'Brien
- Osceola
- Palo Alto
- Pocahontas
Eligibility is Based on:
AGE
Early Head Start: Pregnant mothers and children under the age of three.
Head Start/Shared Visions: Children must be 3 or 4 before September 15.INCOME
At or below 130% of poverty guidelines.
Automatically qualify with Public Assistance: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
DISABILITY
Must have current IEP/IFSP showing documentation of UDMO Early Childhood Programs is appropriate placement.
FAMILY NEED OR CRISIS
Family is homeless or the child is in foster care
Automatically qualify with Public Assistance: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
What is Required to Apply for Services?
Complete an application
12 months proof of income such as: Income Tax, W-2s or proof of SNAP, TANF/FIP, SSI or Foster Care, Child Support, or Alimony
Child's Medicaid or insurance information (if available)
Resources for Families and Community Partners
Where are the Head Start Centers Located?
Buena Vista
Storm Lake Early Childhood Center
525 Oates Street
Storm Lake, IA 50588
712-732-1358
Clay
UDMO Early Childhood Program
Jefferson 411 East 10th Street
Spencer, IA 51301
712-264-8855
Dickinson
Milford Head Start
1525 Three Cross Road
Milford, IA 51351
712-339-1163
Emmet
Emmet County Head Start/Early Head Start
315 North 6th Street
Estherville, IA 51334
Head Start 712-765-1058
Early Head Start 712-298-4059/712-298-0315
O’Brien
HMS Head Start
400 3rd Street NW
Hartley, IA 51346
712-298-0420
Sheldon Head Start
109 N 18th Ave
Sheldon, IA 51201
712-291-1738
Osceola
Sibley Head Start
921 1st Street NE
Sibley, IA 51249
712-298-1241
Palo Alto
Iowa Lakes Head Start
3200 College Drive
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
712-852-5352
Pocahontas
Laurens/Marathon Early Childhood Program
300 W Garfield
Laurens, IA 50554
712-841-5000