Early Learning

Head Start

Head Start is one of the most successful and longest-running national school readiness programs in the United States. Using a “whole child” model, Head Start is designed to increase kindergarten readiness and socialization in children ages 3 to 5. This is accomplished through a rich preschool learning environment, combined with social-emotional wellness, health, nutrition, crisis intervention and family engagement services. This program is based on income eligibility, please see these guidelines.

What is the curriculum used in the head start program?

Head Start uses the Project Construct Curriculum, which is based on the idea that ‘hands-on, minds-on’ learning experiences help students with core content instruction as well as learning how to work together with adults and peers. Project Construct® is an approved curriculum by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and is aligned to the Head Start and Missouri Early Learning Goals that support kindergarten readiness. Head Start also utilizes the Project Approach, Conscious Discipline® and Trauma Smart®.

Head Start Family Handbook (English) Head Start Family Handbook (Spanish)

This website is supported by Grant Number 7CH012381 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the Mid America Regional Council and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

Pre-K at Head Start schools: Richardson, Woodland

Early Head Start

The Early Head Start (EHS) program is uniquely designed to meet the comprehensive needs of teen parents and their children. This program has two classrooms at Central High School, serving sixteen infants and toddlers.

Central Early Head Start
3221 Indiana Ave.
Kansas City, Missouri 64128
Phone: 816-418-2000
Learn More

Give your child a strong start with our high‑quality Pre‑K programs for ages 3–5. Designed to spark curiosity and build independence, our classrooms help children enter kindergarten confident, prepared, and excited to learn. Every learning experience is aligned with the Missouri Early Learning Standards, and all curriculum is approved by MO DESE to ensure the highest level of early childhood education.

Our Pre‑K programs feature research‑based approaches includingMontessori or Creative Curriculum® and Conscious Discipline®. Children learn through hands‑on, minds‑on exploration that builds essential skills in early literacy, emergent writing, math, and social‑emotional development. To support each child’s growth, teachers use the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) three times per year for authentic, individualized assessment.

Program offerings vary by school location. Children must be three or four years old on or before July 31 to enroll.

Pre-K at Elementary Schools P3 & P4 Classes Offered: Rogers, Hartman, AC Prep, Garfield, James, Pitcher, Trailwoods, Wheatley, Whittier
P4 Classes Offered: Garcia, Hale Cook

Income Eligibility: Priority is given to families meeting Income Eligibility Criteria*

* See 2025 updated eligibility and simplified table

This program for 3 and 4 year-olds is a method of education helping young learners by developing qualities of self-worth, order, concentration, coordination and independence. Emphasizing independence, Montessori supports children naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment. Children who are age 3 when entering the program are classified as P3. Children who are age 4 when entering the program are classified as P4. Pre-K & Kindergarten are combined in the Montessori Children’s House classrooms.

Pre-K at Montessori Schools: P3 & P4 classrooms offered Border Star, Holliday

The Parents As Teachers program is a parenting education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. The program is operated in the family’s home and various locations throughout the school system. Parents As Teachers is a required program through the state of Missouri, providing extensive wrap-around support for empowering thriving families. For more information, please complete this interest form: http://forms.office.com/r/rv5wH0pe4d

PAT Offices
1215 E Truman Road
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-418-5245
abailey@kcpublicschools.org
PAT Website

Success by Six Center
Success by Six (SB6) is a United Way program offering age appropriate toy and book lending, and on-site child development activities for parents with young children.

Success By Six