Looking for free early childhood education or preschool programs in Northern Nevada? On this special on-location edition of 2 Plus You Nevada, host Sarah Johns visits the Head Start Vassar Street location to meet Site Supervisor Shirley Davila-Silva and learn how Head Start and Early Head Start are helping local children and families.

Head Start provides structured early childhood education and family services for children from birth through age 5, including Early Head Start for babies and Head Start preschool programs that help prepare children for kindergarten. Shirley explains who may qualify, support available for children with IEPs and IFSPs, bilingual learning opportunities, the application and waiting-list process, and why families—including expectant mothers—are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

🚨 Segment Highlights:

🎒 What Is Head Start?

• Head Start provides early childhood services for children from birth through age 5

• Early Head Start serves babies, while Head Start provides structured preschool programming

• Programs help prepare young children developmentally and educationally for kindergarten

🏫 Head Start Locations Are Growing

• Head Start currently serves families through multiple locations in the region

• Shirley discusses 13 existing locations and an additional classroom planned for Fernley

• Sites are strategically located to help reach families who may benefit from services

🧩 Support for Children with IEPs & IFSPs

• Head Start serves children who may have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

• Early Head Start can support babies receiving Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) services

• Individualized plans can help children work toward developmental and educational goals

🌎 Bilingual Early Childhood Education

• Many Head Start staff members are bilingual or have knowledge of another language

• Services are not limited to English-speaking families

• Children who don't speak English can develop English skills through the program's daily curriculum

👨‍👩‍👧 Who May Qualify for Head Start?

• Eligibility factors discussed include lower-income households and families receiving SNAP

• Foster families and families experiencing housing instability may also qualify

• Families can be referred through community partners or contact Head Start directly

📝 Apply Early & Join the Waiting List

• Early Head Start currently has 154 spots and Head Start has 438 spots, according to the segment

• Families are encouraged to apply throughout the school year because openings can become available

• Applications remain active for two school years

🤰 Expectant Mothers Can Apply Too

• Pregnant mothers can begin applying for Early Head Start before their baby is born

• Applying early can be especially important because programs maintain waiting lists

• Shirley encourages interested families to start the application process as soon as possible

💙 Head Start & Early Head Start Are Free

• Both programs are completely free for qualifying families

• Head Start provides more than childcare—it is a structured early childhood education program

• The goal is to help children develop, learn and build a foundation for future success

🌐 Apply or Learn More About Head Start:

https://csareno.org/

☎️ Call: 775-786-6023

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