Head Start for Kent County

09/18/2026

Families of Kent County, please join us on Sunday this weekend for our Pop-up Safety Town Community Event to learn about childhood injury prevention in a fun, interactive way!

All families will get free safety items like helmets, medication safety bags, and more to take home. Our goal is to improve access to education on injury prevention and local resources so kids can stay healthy, happy, and play safe! Dinner is included.

09/17/2026

Tenika has had three children attend Head Start. Here are her thoughts about our program:

"I decided to enroll because I wanted my child in a safe, structured environment that supports learning, development, and social growth. My child has grown so much since joining Head Start. I’ve had three children in the program, and each one has shown big improvements in communication, confidence, and social skills. They become more excited about learning, more independent with routines, and they talk about their teachers and friends every day.

The structure and support at Head Start have helped all of them grow in ways I’m really proud of. The Head Start staff checked in, supported us, and made sure he felt safe and understood. We were blessed with two of the best Head Start teachers, and their support made a huge difference for our family. Head Start means community, support, and opportunity. It feels like a partnership where my child’s well-being and development truly matter. For our family, it brings peace of mind knowing our child is learning, growing, and surrounded by people who care.

I want other parents to know that the teachers at Head Start are amazing and truly love what they do. The school is full of support and happy faces, and you can feel that everyone is there to help your child learn and grow."

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

09/15/2026

Michigan Head Start Association, in partnership with the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), will be hosting NPRM Office Hours specifically for Head Start staff and families.

We are offering two sessions:
• Tuesday, September 22 at 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m.

During these sessions, we’ll provide a brief, easy-to-understand overview of the NPRM process, what is included in the current proposal, and how individuals can submit public comments. There will also be time for questions.

Register here:
Head Start NPRM Office Hours
https://ecic4kids-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/OsDvbaP6T-eOdxUN6ozfnw #/registration

09/14/2026

Head Start parents, here's an opportunity to make your voice heard about your experience with Head Start and your feelings about the proposed changes.

Head Start parents and caregivers know firsthand what makes this program work for children and families.

Right now, the federal government is considering changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). An NPRM is part of the federal rulemaking process and gives the public an opportunity to weigh in before proposed changes become final.

These changes could affect health and other essential services, staff-to-child ratios, disability supports, eligibility, how children build English proficiency and opportunities for parents to lead.

Your experience matters in this conversation. Sign NHSA’s national Parent Sign-On Letter by September 30, 2026, and help make sure parent voices are heard: https://nhsa.org/how-to-speak-up-for-head-start/

09/11/2026

We've got another Site Supervisor for you to meet--introducing Miss Casey, site supervisor for our Comstock and North Kent sites!

Our Site Supervisors help ensure our spaces feel welcoming and supportive, where children and families feel seen and heard by everyone who works here.

Being new to her sites gives Miss Casey some new things to look forward to this program year. What is her superpower? Give her video a watch to find out!

09/08/2026

Check out this webinar about the NPRM being held TONIGHT about the proposed changes and how they could impact your family.

Head Start parents and caregivers: Join us for an update on the Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).

In this webinar on September 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET, we will share the latest information about the proposed changes and how they could impact your family, featuring a parent panel and live Q&A. You’ll also learn what concrete actions you can take right now to support Head Start.

Stay informed, connect with other parents, and make your voice heard.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IEtf9QsnQV6xGQr2fssmpw?_x_zm_rtaid=TG2jDRV8Siu5A0edEMBQxw.1788296125680.ebab1d2051b6c3c972d8ffedf2124830&_x_zm_rhtaid=459 #/registration

09/08/2026

to our new parents this year! Looking for ways to engage with your children and their education? We wanted to make sure you know about the program--for all the fathers and father figures (uncles, step-dads, granddads, etc) of the kids in our program!

What does being a WatchDOG involve? You get to meet other dads, do activities with your kids, be present in the classroom, and more! Our event schedule will be published soon, so WATCH 👀 out for it!

If you have questions or want to get involved, send us a message!
https://hs4kc.me/askwatchdogs

09/04/2026

to Miss Cayla--she recently was promoted to Site Supervisor!

She says; "I started with the agency in 2019 as a teacher and later transitioned into an Early Childhood Specialist role. Throughout my time at HS4KC, I have had the opportunity to participate in various work groups and collaborate with many different people. I have enjoyed learning from their experiences and knowledge and applying what I have learned to my own professional growth and experiences. All of these experiences and the knowledge I have gained throughout my time at HS4KC have helped prepare me for my most recent transition into the Site Supervisor position. I am excited for this new opportunity and look forward to continuing to build strong connections with staff and families at Rogers Lane."

Join us as we congratulate Cayla on her !

09/01/2026

Our little friends are here! The school year has begun for many of our sites, and they're already building relationships with their classmates and their teachers, learning the routines of their classroom, and exploring their creativity! We can't wait to see how these little superheroes learn and grow over the coming school year!

08/28/2026

Daniel's daughter attends Head Start. Here's what he has to say about our program:

"We quickly learned after the teachers visited our home how intentional Head Start is about individual child development, routines, and healthy habits. We fell in love with the teachers who were warm and inviting. Our child had an instant connection with them. Our toddler turned into a child and it’s only been 4 months! She is more focused on tricky tasks, she has become a true friend and mentor to her little brother, and has become an expert at cleaning up; sometimes without even being asked! Head Start really knows how to encourage kids in the best and most effective ways.

The environment at Head Start has let my daughter feel secure in her friendships. She’s a girl who craves social interaction. She no longer asks if she has friends, because she comes home every day telling us that she has played with someone new. Our daughter means everything to us, so naturally Head Start holds a very special place in our life. The teachers and staff have given her another place outside of home where she FEELS at home. Head Start provides a place for your child to learn and grow every skill that you want them to; often skills that I or other parents don’t have the resources to provide solely at home. I now count it as essential to my child’s development. Thank you! As a stay-at-home father I don’t know where we would be without you! "

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