Pre-K and Montessori are popular options for children beginning their education journeys, but some families may not know that another option exists—Head Start.

Head Start is a federal school-readiness program for children ages 3-5. It started in 1965 as a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services and has grown considerably in the years since, adapting to the needs of new generations.

"We have seen, especially since the pandemic and with the rise of technology, that children are coming to us with more delays," said KCPS Head Start Director Michelle Pendzimas. "So, Head Start has allowed for extra funding to get extra mental health support, extra instructional coaches, extra disability services."

"Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States." —MARC

She says Head Start's "whole child perspective" is what distinguishes it from traditional pre-k programs.

"It's not just about being ready for kindergarten and learning your ABCs. It's about getting ready for life and overcoming barriers, such as jobs and homelessness and health needs," Pendzimas explained. "Head Start does what other programs cannot."

Pendzimas has served in her current director role since 2017 and has been involved with Head Start since 2000. She's seen firsthand how the program is designed to overcome challenges that other programs can't. This includes accepting children who are not toilet trained or who may have behavior challenges.

"Preschool children are kicked out of preschool at a higher rate than kindergarten through high school combined. Head Start doesn't kick children out. We say, 'I will take you as you are.'"

According to Pendzimas, the student support services that school districts offer have slowly started to mirror Head Start.

"They now have counselors. They now have people helping with health. They now have mental health," she said. "That's what Head Start is. It's always been that."

How to get involved

Kansas City Public Schools offers Head Start programs for children at three locations through the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Head Start Network:

• Woodland Early Learning Center (711 Woodland Ave)

• Richardson Early Learning Center (3515 Park Ave)

• Columbus Park (1100 E 4th St.)

Head Start also helps parents get involved in the education workforce.

"We bring parents in," Pendzimas said. "Our parents start as part-time people. We then get them a certificate, they then become teaching assistants."

Half of Pendzimas's management team and 5-6 of her current teachers began as Head Start parents, working their way up over time.

MARC Head Start accepts applications on a rolling basis from pregnant women and families with children up to the age of five. You can learn more about Head Start at marcheadstart.org.