Head Start programs promote school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child. Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. (LCHS) is an income-based early childhood education program that provides comprehensive services to pregnant women, children birth to age five and their families in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. LCHS began operations in 1965 and provided Head Start services to approximately 90 children and families. In 1999, LCHS began its Early Head Start program. Today, LCHS serves more than 900 children in our Head Start, Pre-K Counts, and Early Head Start programs.
Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. (LCHS) promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child. The program provides children in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties with a developmentally appropriate early childhood education and offers comprehensive health, nutrition, and other family support services. Programs nationwide must follow a set of federally designated rules that ensure high-quality care and services.
Head Start offers all enrolled children health checkups and treatment, oral health, vision, hearing, and lead screenings, and a nutritious breakfast and lunch daily. The program provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. Head Start focuses on the whole family, making sure parents or caregivers receive help with a wide range of needs including housing, employment and parenting education. It also aims to move preschool children and their families toward self-sufficiency. Additionally, Head Start offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining a high school General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or other adult education and employment opportunities. Family involvement is also encouraged in all aspects of the Head Start program.
Head Start & Pre-K Counts
Children enrolled in LCHS’s program spend five to six hours daily, five days a week in the classroom during a typical school year. Transportation is also provided at many of LCHS’s centers. Children with disabilities are welcome in Head Start; programs reserve a minimum of 10% of enrollment for children with diagnosed disabilities. LCHS also encourages and supports children from dual language learner families.
Early Head Start
LCHS’s Early Head Start program is designed to provide the same kinds of comprehensive child development and family support services to families with children ages birth to three, and pregnant women. The EHS program includes 90-minute weekly home visits, health and nutrition services, parenting education, bi-monthly group socialization activities and referrals to other social services.
We’re Moving Families Forward
Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for low-income children and their families in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties.
Our Mission
