Capital Area Head Start

Capital Area Head Start Capital Area Head Start gives children a head start in life and strengthens families. In our school year program, children attend school five days a week.

Capital Area Head Start gives children a head start in life, empowers parents, and strengthens families. Capital Area Head Start began providing Head Start services to children and families in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties in 1988. Capital Area Head Start is a comprehensive, federally-funded child development program and serves over 1200 families in the tri-county area. Children may enter the Early Head Start program, from birth to two years of age. Capital Area Head Start also provides comprehensive services to women who are pregnant. Through our Head Start program, we provide services for children ages three to five. We offer Early Head Start, Head Start, Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program, and Pre-K Counts services to eligible families. Early Head Start families receive weekly visits and two family days each month. Children in all programs receive comprehensive services, including educational, medical, dental, nutritional, and family social services. For specific age qualifications for each of our programs, please contact our main office at 717-541-1795. Press 1 for enrollment. In keeping with Keystone Human Services' tradition of involving parents in services provided for their children, Capital Area Head Start emphasizes parent involvement and development as well as participation in all areas of their child's development. The Head Start Policy Council, a group of parents of children enrolled in Head Start services, is one of the principal governing bodies for Capital Area Head Start.

Thank you, Senator Dave McCormick, for hosting weekly coffee conversations with constituents. Capital Area Head Start Ex...
09/18/2026

Thank you, Senator Dave McCormick, for hosting weekly coffee conversations with constituents. Capital Area Head Start Executive Director Shawnee Hooper was grateful for the opportunity to discuss concerns impacting children and families across our community. Open dialogue and collaboration are essential to building brighter futures for those we serve.

Public comments on proposed changes to Head Start programs are open through October 6!
- Submit electronically at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ACF-2026-0595
- Email comments to [email protected] and include ACF-2026-0595 or RIN 0970-AD30 in the subject line.

This morning Matt Sunderland visited a classroom at Capital Area Head Start, a Keystone Human Services program, for stor...
09/16/2026

This morning Matt Sunderland visited a classroom at Capital Area Head Start, a Keystone Human Services program, for story time.

He read two books: I Went Walking by Sue Williams, and Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go, which felt like the right pick for someone from a car dealership. The class had plenty to say about both, especially when it came to picking out their favorite vehicles on the page.

Thank you to the teachers and staff for welcoming us into your classroom and for the work you do with these families every day. This visit is part of our Month of Caring with Keystone Human Services. Keystone Human Services

09/16/2026

Story time was extra special this week! 📚✨

Matt Sunderland from Sun Motor Cars Automotive Group visited one of our Capital Area Head Start classrooms to share stories and connect with our students. From cars and trucks to pumpkins and favorite animals, there was plenty to talk about!

We're grateful for partners like Sun Motor Cars, who are supporting our mission throughout September by donating $50 from every vehicle sold during Month of Caring.

Thank you for investing in the future of our children and families!💙

Learn more about why your voice is important, what the proposed changes could mean for Head Start programs, and how you ...
09/09/2026

Learn more about why your voice is important, what the proposed changes could mean for Head Start programs, and how you can make your input count! Public comments are open through October 6, so now is the time to get informed and get involved.

Office of Head Start NPRM Information page:

https://headstart.gov/

How to submit a public comment:

- Submit electronically at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ACF-2026-0595

- Email comments to [email protected] and include ACF-2026-0595 or RIN 0970-AD30 in the subject line.

09/04/2026

The documentary about being a Capital Area Head Start teacher🍎

Based on a true story: A group of dedicated educators helps children learn, grow, and believe in themselves every day.

Spoiler alert: It ends happy. ✨

If you’re in the market for a new car, Sun Motor Cars Automotive Group has a way you can get your car and support Capita...
09/02/2026

If you’re in the market for a new car, Sun Motor Cars Automotive Group has a way you can get your car and support Capital Area Head Start and Keystone Human Services! Throughout September, Sun Motors will donate $50 from every vehicle sold to KHS. (Remember, we’re a program of KHS!) Big thank you to Sun Motor Cars for all of their support for KHS and SSD! Community partnerships like this make a huge impact.

Join the National Head Start Association (NHSA) webinar tomorrow, September 1 at 4:00 PM, to learn more about why your v...
08/31/2026

Join the National Head Start Association (NHSA) webinar tomorrow, September 1 at 4:00 PM, to learn more about why your voice is important, what the proposed changes could mean for Head Start programs, and how you can make your input count. Public comments are open through October 6, so now is the time to get informed and get involved.

Office of Head Start NPRM Information page:
https://headstart.gov/

How to submit a public comment:
- Submit electronically at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ACF-2026-0595
- Email comments to [email protected] and include ACF-2026-0595 or RIN 0970-AD30 in the subject line.

Head Start is more than early learning. Its comprehensive model brings together health, nutrition, family services, and several supports, all powered by the Head Start workforce.

Join us on September 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET to explore what the Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes for comprehensive services and the workforce and what those changes could mean for programs, staff, children, and families.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5UaizZ7RQ_GO8k50AbTWVw

08/28/2026

The classrooms are ready, the supplies are organized, and our amazing team is excited to welcome our students and families back for a new year of learning, growth, and fun! 📚

We can't wait to see all the smiling faces and begin another incredible school year together. 🍎✨

🚨 What does Head Start mean to you?Your voice matters, and now is the time to use it. The public comment period on propo...
08/26/2026

🚨 What does Head Start mean to you?

Your voice matters, and now is the time to use it. The public comment period on proposed changes to the Head Start Performance Standards is open through October 6, 2026. Let's show the impact Head Start has on children, families, and communities every day.

Share your thoughts through a public comment, then drop a comment below and tell us what does Head Start means to you?

Office of Head Start NPRM Information page:

https://headstart.gov/.../notice-proposed-rulemaking...

How to submit a public comment:

- Submit electronically at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ACF-2026-0595

- Email comments to [email protected] and include ACF-2026-0595 or RIN 0970-AD30 in the subject line.

What an incredible day of learning, teamwork, and community connection!The Amazing Race: Community Provider Edition brou...
08/24/2026

What an incredible day of learning, teamwork, and community connection!

The Amazing Race: Community Provider Edition brought our Early Head Start family educators out into the community to meet the organizations that help support children and families across Dauphin and Cumberland Counties.

Through clues, challenges, and provider visits, teams explored valuable resources, learned referral processes, and strengthened partnerships that make a difference in the lives of the families we serve. Each team visited multiple community providers, gaining firsthand knowledge of services available to support family success. We are grateful to the many community partners who opened their doors and shared their missions with us!

Address

8182 Adams Drive
Harrisburg, PA
17036

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