More than 2,000 students took part in educational programming through Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) Head Start services during the 2025-2026 school year.

A total of 2,005 students were enrolled in GLCAP Head Start programs, including Early Head Start, Head Start, Home-Based Head Start, and Migrant & Seasonal Head Start programs.

Additional figures from the 2025-2026 school year include:

•    1,744 families served by Head Start
•    1,281 families able to work or attend school because of Head Start services
•    1,522 children received preventative and primary health exams through Head Start
•    1,116 children completed a dental exam with the assistance of Head Start

“Head Start impacts families in many different ways,” GLCAP Child Development Director Jacquie Wells said. “Head Start helps prepare children for kindergarten, ensures that children have necessarily health exams, and provides educational enrichment for children while families work.”

Even though the school year has begun, GLCAP’s early childhood centers in Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties are continuing to enroll students. Additional opportunities are available at partner sites in the same region. Along with full-day preschool, Head Start provides meals and snacks; health, vision, and dental screenings; family engagement opportunities; and more for children and parents.  

Families are eligible for Head Start if household income is at or below federal poverty guidelines (e.g. $33,000 annual income/family of four). Children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness, as well as children from families receiving SNAP benefits or other public assistance are also eligible. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to call for details.

For a complete list of center locations and more information, visit www.glcap.org/headstart or call 1-800-775-9767.