Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
CCANO Head Start Program is taking extra measures in keeping our parents aware of the actions they can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Please see some tips below: Wash Your Hands: English and Spanish |
For over 40 years, Catholic Charities has been providing New Orleans area children and their families with a “Head Start” in life.
Download the FY 2021-2022 Head Start Annual Report | View the Head Start Policy Council
What is Head Start?
Head Start is a child and family development program for families with children from birth to 3 years (Early Head Start) and preschoolers 3 to 5 years of age (Head Start), including children with disabilities. These programs promote the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth and development of each child.
Head Start and Early Head Start serve low-income families that fall at or below the federal poverty level. These programs are free for qualifying children and families.
Services include:
- Early childhood education
- Health services (medical and dental)
- Social services
- Mental health services
- Nutrition services
Experts tell us that 90% of all brain development occurs by the age of five. If we don’t begin thinking about education in the early years, our children are at risk of falling behind by the time they start Kindergarten.
– Robert. L. Ehrlich
Why is this important?
Your child’s first years are critical for learning and future development. Our programs provide the educational, nutritional and emotional foundation for a healthy child.
Does your family qualify?
- For this benefit program, you must be a resident of Orleans Parish
- Families with children ages birth to 5 years old (including children with disabilities) that fall within 0 – 100% of the Poverty Guidelines published by the Federal government are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services
- Families with children that have disabilities who fall within 101 – 130% of the Poverty Guidelines may also be considered for the program
Enroll Your Child Now!
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans participates in EnrollNOLA’s enrollment system for Early Childhood Programs. Enrollment is now open.
Click here to start the Enrollment Process now!
Paper applications will no longer be accepted. Parents who do not have internet access or need help filling out the online application can visit any of our sites listed below to get assistance from our Family Resource Workers. Additionally, EnrollNOLA provides three convenient Family Resource Centers to provide assistance with the application process.
New Orleans Locations:
St. John the Baptist Head Start (Ages 3 years – 5 years) 1920 Clio Street New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 529-2557 Tonya Credit, Director [email protected] |
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Incarnate Word Head Start and Early Head Start (Ages 6 weeks – 5 years) 8326 Apricot Street New Orleans, LA 70118 (504) 861-6342 Gaynell Anderson, Director [email protected] |
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St. Mary of the Angels Head Start and Early Head Start (Ages 6 weeks – 5 years) 2225 Congress Street New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 227-3470 Michelle Hubbard, Director [email protected] |
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Covenant House Early Head Start (Ages 6 weeks – 3 years) 611 N Rampart Street New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 581-6176 Anitra Morris, Family Advocate/ Center Director [email protected] |
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St. Paul the Apostle Head Start and Early Head Start (Ages 6 weeks – 5 years) 6828 Chef Menteur Highway New Orleans, LA 70126 (504) 503-1234 Pamela Randall, Center Director [email protected] |
Developmental Services Include:
Early Childhood Education
Teachers facilitate individualized learning experiences to promote children’s readiness for school and beyond. Through planned and spontaneous instruction, relationships with adults, and play; children grow in language and literacy, early math and science concepts, and social and emotional development. Learn more about the benefits of early childhood education.
Medical, Dental and Mental Health Services
Children receive health and developmental screenings, nutritious meals, oral health and mental health support. Programs connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services, and ensure that children are receiving the services that they need. Learn more about the health benefits of Head Start.
Social Services
Parents and families are supported in achieving their own goals; such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Family well-being programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children’s learning and development. Learn more about how Head Start benefits parents and families.
Success Stories
Read a few success stories from New Orleans area families who have benefited from this program:
Creating Homeowners
Shnika Raymond, mom of Brooklynn, received information and guidance in managing her finances. From the assistance and help she received at CCANO, she was able to purchase her first home in December 2013.
A Path to Citizenship
While her son Melvin received care, nutrition and education at our centers, mom Donnalee Clarence was assisted with obtaining housing and employment after living in a homeless shelter for several months. Ms. Clarence is working on getting her citizenship in the United States and learning English as a second language.
Helping Children with Learning Disabilities
Ms. Lakeisha Brown’s goal was to transition her daughters G’La and Gia to Kindergarten. G’La has Autism and Gia was diagnosed with educational delay. Staff helped guide Ms. Brown through the process of finding the right place for her children while also preparing her daughters with the knowledge and skills they would need for kindergarten. The girls are now registered and accepted at a school close to their home.
Helping Parents Achieve Educational Goals
Tanique Boatman, mom of Anthony, is able to focus on furthering her education too. Thanks to the teachers and staff, she has been able to attend classes to get her GED. Soon she will start taking college courses through an online program.
Paulette Vallery’s goal was to get back on track with earning her degree while also providing quality care for her child while she worked toward this goal. St. Mary of the Angels social workers first assisted Ms. Vallery in career guidance and applications for technical school. She is currently enrolled in the program and is still managing to be a great support system for her child and St. Mary of the Angels.
A student’s parent, Charity Clark, wanted to obtain her GED. We were able to assist her by providing child care services to allow her to have the time to enroll and attend GED courses. Ms. Clark applied and was accepted to Delgado’s GED Program. She has been diligently attending class and is continuing to strive to complete the program.