Early Childhood Development

Head Start / Early Head Start

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The Head Start / Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program

The Head Start / Early Head Start program is for low-income infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families. HS/EHS programs enhance the development of very young children by promoting school readiness of children ages birth to five by supporting their development in a comprehensive way.

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What does Head Start/Early Head Start offer?
  • Special services for children with disabilities
  • Increased access to medical and dental care
  • Social and emotional growth

Head Start experiences for the parent?

  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Activities for parents
  • Opportunities for leadership on the Head Start Policy Council
  • Regular Parent Committee meetings
  • Resource and referral services
  • Home visits by program staff

Head Start experiences for the child?

  • Speech and language stimulation
  • Creative arts
  • Social experiences
  • Culturally diverse experiences
  • Concept development

 Head Start Philosophy

The CAPCO Head Start/Early Head Start Program believes all children and families have strengths and deserve the opportunity to develop and maintain a happy and healthy life. We support each child and family in achieving social and emotional well-being. Through the guidance of the CAPCO Head Start/Early Head Start staff, it is our hope each and every family will become self-reliant members of the community.

To sign up for this program

If you are interested in learning more about this program or signing up, please Contact Us at (607)299-4795 or email heathers@capco.org or trudyh@capco.org.

Apply Here!

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Eligibility for Head Start/Early Head Start:

To be eligible for the Head Start / Early Head Start Program your child must:

  • Be a Cortland County Resident
  • Be 3 or 4 years old by December 1 (Head Start only) Early Head Start ages birth through 3
  • Be within our income guidelines or receive TANF, SSI, or SNAP
    Please click this link for income guidelines: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines
For more information about Head Start, Visit The National Head Start Association click HERE

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK):

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) offers a high quality, early education program for eligible 4-year-olds that includes learning, fun activities, and nutritious meals. This free program promotes early education and independence through creative play experiences with other children and is staffed by caring professionals.

CAPCO operates two (2) UPK classrooms on behalf of the Cortland City School District.

Information & Eligibility for Universal Pre-K (UPK):

  • Child's birthday must fall between December 2, 2020 and December 1, 2021.
  • Child must reside within the Cortland Enlarged City School District (CECSD)
    (Proof of residency will be required at the beginning of the school year).
  • Pre-K centers follow the CECSD school calendar.
  • Physical examination and NYS Immunizations are required before starting program.
  • Wrap-around (before and after hours) care is available at certain centers, please check with providers.
  • Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or caregiver.
  • Registration is continuous & is done through Cortland City School District.
  • If you have any questions, please reach out to the Cortland District registrar at registrar@cortlandschools.org.

To learn more and/or apply, visit the Cortland City School District website: https://www.cortlandschools.org/teacherpage.cfm?teacher=2439

CAPCO Early Childhood Classroom Sites

Head Start / Early Head Start sites:

  • Cosimos Center- 3 Huntington St. Cortland, NY 13045
  • Early Learning Center (ELC) 5 Huntington St. Cortland, NY 13045
  • Johnson Center: 236 Main St. Cortland, NY 13045

Universal Pre-K (UPK) sites:

  • Parker School: 89 Madison St. Cortland, NY 13045

Healthy Families Home Visiting Program

The Healthy Families home visiting program matches parents with knowledgeable and caring workers who provide information and support during pregnancy and early childhood. Services include helping families access community resources and services, educating families on parenting and child development, connecting families with medical providers, and assessing children for developmental delays.

Enrolling in the Healthy Families Program increases opportunities for being enrolled in a center-based (classroom) option if placed on a waitlist for Early Head Start!

To learn more, contact 607-844-7327 or 607-299-4795

This website is supported in part by Grant Number 02CH012714 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 Cortland County Community Action Program, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
Need help or know of someone who needs help? Fill out the form below or call us today.

    Need help or know of someone who needs help? Fill out the form below or call us today.
    Cortland County Community
    Action Program

    32 North Main St. Cortland NY 13045
    Phone: (607) 753-6781
    Office Hours: Monday - Friday
    8:00 am - 4:00 pm