Head Start
Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. is a federal and state funded early childhood education program that focuses on promoting the school readiness of eligible children ages 3 to 5 through family involvement, health and nutrition, education and family social services. The Head Start program is designed to increase children’s literacy, cognitive development, and social-emotional development, as well as support children’s health and well-being. Children receive vision, hearing and lead screenings on-site and are provided with a nutritious breakfast and lunch daily. Dental, medical, immunization, and mental health referral services are also available. Classrooms are located in centers throughout Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. Many Head Start locations also offer transportation services.
Early Head Start
Luzerne County Head Start’s Early Head Start (EHS) program is a weekly home visiting program that provides comprehensive child development and family support services to pregnant women, children age birth to age 3, and their families. EHS works to maximize the development of infants and toddlers by creating pathways for families to be successful. Once a child is 3-years-old, he or she may transition into center-based Head Start services or into another early childhood education program. Funding for LCHS’s EHS program is provided through federal dollars and the United Way of Wyoming Valley.
Pre-K Counts
Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. is the largest provider of Pre-K Counts programming in Luzerne County. Pre-K Counts is a state funded early childhood education program that provides full-day pre-kindergarten services to children ages 3 to 5 in selected area school districts. Families who meet or exceed Head Start income guidelines, up to 300 percent of the federal poverty income level, are eligible for this program. Children receive vision and hearing screenings on-site and are provided with a nutritious breakfast and lunch daily. Dental, medical, immunization, and mental health referral services are also available. Curriculum focuses on school readiness and social-emotional development. Transportation services are not provided.