Child Development

Head Start & Early Head Start

Every child in our community deserves the chance to succeed. Helping each child build a solid foundation, right from the start, can make a world of difference.

A multi-ethnic group of toddlers are sitting together on the floor holding playing with wood blocks together.

Family Services has been the local provider of the national Head Start program for more than 30 years. In 2015 Family Services was awarded the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant.

Our Head Start programs provide quality early childhood development services to 499  3 to 5 years old and 120 Early Head Start birth to 3 children in collaboration with community child care centers, WSFCS, and NC Pre-K.

Here are the key elements of both programs:

  • The focus is on school readiness, with an emphasis (especially for the older child) on social skills, language, literacy, math, science, self-help, and creative arts.
  • Educational assessments are conducted throughout the program year.
  • Teachers and staff are highly credentialed and qualified in childhood education.
  • Centers are either 4- or 5-star licensed, and the only NAEYC accredited center in the county.
  • Parent involvement (including volunteering and advising) is encouraged.
  • Good nutrition and health are important parts of both programs.

2025 – 2026 Parent Handbook

Our Parent Handbook provides important information about Head Start and Early Head Start policies, expectations, and resources for families.

Download the 2025-2026 Parent Handbook

Enrollment

If you are interested in enrolling your child in Head Start or Early Head Start, you can click enroll below or contact Family Services Child Development Program with any questions you may have!

Enroll (336) 727-0617

Policy Council

Head Start and Early Head Start Representatives come together monthly to discuss and guide the direction of the program.

Head Start and Early Head Start families are enrolled in locations across Forsyth County, NC. Many attend a Head Start and/or Early Head Start program within a private childcare location or at a Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools location. These locations are referred to as sites. Policy Council Representatives have been elected by the parents at their Head Start/ Early Head Start site.

The Policy Council is made up of at least 51% of currently enrolled Head Start/Early Head Start parents/primary caregivers.  The rest of the Policy Council being Community Representatives and former Head Start and Early Head Start parents.

Policy Council Meeting Information for 2025 – 2026

Policy Council meetings for current members run from October through September. No meeting is held in July. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Dinner and childcare care are provided. Representatives can participate remotely as needed.

Elections coming October 2025 – for more information please contact Vivien Stearns at vstearns@familyservicesforsyth.org.