Head Start for Kent County

Head Start for Kent County HS4KC is a non-profit Early Childhood Education agency. We believe in making a difference in the community w/ a holistic approach to education.

Not only do we teach children, but provide family-centered services to eligible families w/ kids birth to five. Highly trained staff, use of current technology, innovative programming, and diverse community partnerships help achieve the agency's mission. Individualized curriculum is developed for each child enrolled in the program and shared with families so parents and teachers work together as p

artners in determining the child's needs and providing opportunities to thrive. Nutrition, health and dental needs are monitored closely because healthy children are ready to learn and grow. Whenever possible barriers are removed and assistance is provided to clear the path for success.

Yesterday, our Education team and departments across Head Start for Kent County came together for a full day of professi...
08/21/2026

Yesterday, our Education team and departments across Head Start for Kent County came together for a full day of professional development as we prepare to welcome children back to our classrooms!

Throughout the day, Education staff participated in breakout sessions led by teams across the organization, including PFCE, Nutrition, Health and Special Needs. Each session focused on the information, resources and support our educators need as they prepare for the year ahead.

A strong start begins well before the first day of class. Bringing our teams together gives staff the opportunity to learn, ask questions and make sure we’re aligned and ready to support children and families from day one.

The time is almost here, and we can’t wait to see our classrooms filled with children again!

08/17/2026

Head Start parents and caregivers: Our special Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) webinar is tomorrow!

The federal government has proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the rules that help guide how Head Start programs serve children and families. Your perspective is important as the Head Start community learns more about what is being proposed and prepares to respond.

Join us on August 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET. NHSA’s Government Affairs team will share the latest updates, answer questions, listen to parents’ concerns, and talk about how the Head Start community can make its voice heard.

Register today and be part of the conversation about the future of Head Start: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XdFO0r6fRWSHMtMeCaYZfA #/registration

Dear Friend of Head Start,The Office of Head Start released their Notice of Proposal Rulemaking (NPRM): Reducing Federal...
08/17/2026

Dear Friend of Head Start,

The Office of Head Start released their Notice of Proposal Rulemaking (NPRM): Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs. We have been thoroughly reviewing and discussing the impacts of these proposed changes to our community, the State, and the Nation. We are reaching out to keep you updated on the immediate concerns of this NPRM. It is important to remember that this is a proposed rule change and is not final yet.

In the NPRM’s effort to reduce duplication and burdens for programs and have them defer to state policies, we are concerned that we will lose the very thing that defines Head Start. Below are the immediate concerns from this NPRM:
• The rule would increase class size and reduce the teacher workforce.
• The rule would lower wages for Head Start staff and not allow programs to incentivize staff who further their degree.
• The rule would require Head Start programs to provide shorter school days and fewer days per year.
• The rule also limits some of the comprehensive services we provide to our children.
• The rule limits parent involvement by making parent committees optional and reducing their role.
• The rule would eliminate jobs for Head Start home visitors, Family Service Workers, Child Development Specialists, and Coaches
• The rule would reduce program quality for dual language learners and their families by mandating that all teaching and learning is done in English, including prohibiting classroom materials from being in languages other than English (i.e. children’s books).

So what can you do? The Department has a public comment period open until October 6th. You can submit a comment to tell your story (what Head Start means to you) and ask HHS to withdraw the changes or significantly revise the proposed rule with direct input from programs and families.

Submit a comment: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/07/2026-16134/reducing-federal-burden-for-head-start-programs

Read our full letter here: https://hs4kc.org/news/nprm-letter-friends-of-head-start/

The countdown continues to when our friends start arriving -- some classrooms will begin the 2026–2027 program year just...
08/17/2026

The countdown continues to when our friends start arriving -- some classrooms will begin the 2026–2027 program year just ONE week from today! Classrooms are ready and Open Houses are scheduled. We can't wait to see you soon!

We hope you've been making some fun memories during your summer. We're back with another gallery of some of the adventur...
08/14/2026

We hope you've been making some fun memories during your summer. We're back with another gallery of some of the adventures that we at Head Start have been up to! This time, it's surfing puppies, blacklight baseball games, weddings, snorkeling, kayaking, and skydiving!

Mariah has had two children attend Head Start. Here's what she has to say about our program:"My son has been attending f...
08/13/2026

Mariah has had two children attend Head Start. Here's what she has to say about our program:

"My son has been attending for two years now, and his speech has improved significantly since he started at Head Start. Also, he has built up so much confidence; the teachers are amazing and they actually care about the kids who attend the school. My one-year-old daughter has been going since she was about seven months old. She is very smart; she can say many words and she has also built up a lot of confidence. It means everything to me. My son made friends and built bonds with many people; he has overcome a lot.

I would like parents to know Head Start is like a family - they genuinely care about your kids and want what’s best for your child and you, and they are not judgmental. They’re there to help. I love Head Start and what it has done for me and my kids."

Enroll your own child today!
https://hs4kc.org/apply/

We’re counting down to when our friends start arriving -- some classrooms will begin the 2026–2027 program year just two...
08/10/2026

We’re counting down to when our friends start arriving -- some classrooms will begin the 2026–2027 program year just two weeks from today! Summer has flown by so fast, and our staff are already getting their classrooms ready. We can’t wait to welcome our children back to Head Start!

A warm WELCOME BACK to our classroom staff! Coming to the end of summer break is always bittersweet, isn't it? The time ...
08/07/2026

A warm WELCOME BACK to our classroom staff! Coming to the end of summer break is always bittersweet, isn't it? The time off to recharge is wonderful (and well-earned!), but it's also exciting to come back to the classroom for another year of teaching our kiddos and guiding their growth.

And if you're a teacher looking for a classroom, apply with us!
https://hs4kc.org/careers/

Jameila is a parent of two Head Start kiddos, and here's what she has to say about our program:"Head Start means support...
08/05/2026

Jameila is a parent of two Head Start kiddos, and here's what she has to say about our program:

"Head Start means support, love, a village, and no child left behind. Head Start will go above and beyond. They will find ways to help your child be successful. Head Start pours into your children with not only education, but with love. Head Start has been by far the best decision I could have made for my two children."

Enroll your own child today!
https://hs4kc.org/apply/

This year, the at several of our sites got major makeovers with safety in mind! New Infant/Toddler playgrounds were in...
08/03/2026

This year, the at several of our sites got major makeovers with safety in mind! New Infant/Toddler playgrounds were installed at our North Kent and Plainfield locations, and Rogers Lane and Springhill both received complete renovations for both preschool and infant/toddler playgrounds.

These remodels included the installation of a rubber surface designed for safety and durability, which was added to our existing playgrounds at Alger, Henry, Kentwood, and Leonard as well.

Outdoor fun just got a lot safer at HS4KC! We can't wait for our kids to come put them to the test!

Address

2626 Walker Avenue NW
Walker, MI

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30am
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 11:30am

Telephone

+16164534145

Website

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