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Drake University Head Start has served children and families in the state of Iowa since 1975.
The Head Start program is designed to promote the school readiness of children, ages birth to five years old, from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive and social/emotional competence.
Head Start provides comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, including health, nutrition, social, and other services determined by a family needs assessment. Drake University Head Start is funded to serve 926 at-risk children in six counties (Polk, Boone, Warren, Jasper, Marion, and Story – Ames only).
While it is true that funding for Head Start comes from federal support, “in-kind” donations are needed as well to keep Head Start going. For every $1.00 of federal money that is received, Head Start is required to find a 25¢ in-kind match. In-kind support can be donated time, space, or services that are provided by parents and the community.
By donating time, funds, and expertise; donors and volunteers make it possible for Head Start to extend programs and initiatives far past what budget or staffing restraints might otherwise allow.
When you give to Head Start, you are truly giving back to your community and investing in its most valuable resources – children and families. Without this support, Head Start would not be able to keep going.