Head Start and Early Head Start Services
optimizing the potential of Portage County Ohio children and families
Head Start Preschool
The Head Start program is a no-cost preschool for income-eligible children ages three to five years old and not kindergarten eligible. Portage Learning Centers operates four Head Start centers in Kent, Ravenna, Streetsboro, and Atwater.
208 children are served in Head Start.
Early Head Start
Early Head Start (EHS) is a no-cost early education program for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Portage Learning Centers serves EHS children and families in a home-based program. In addition, a center-based program is also provided to EHS children in our Kent and Ravenna locations.
64 children and pregnant women are served in Early Head Start.
What are Head Start and Early Head Start Services?
Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs that promote the school readiness of children ages birth to 5 from income-eligible families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Programs provide comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, including health, nutrition, social services, education, and cognitive development.
Great Early Start at Atwater
Ms. Boston is amazing! My now 5-year-old Waterloo kindergartener was with Jessica for 2 years before kindergarten at the Atwater location.
Heart of Gold!
The best transportation coordinator ever, Shari Farmer has a heart of gold!
Streetsboro Parent Fave
Johnna is amazing!
Apply Today
Call (330) 297-7795 to schedule an enrollment appointment at our Portage Learning Center’s Main Office.
Eligibility Requirements
Head Start and Early Head Start are income-based programs. Income guidelines are based on family size.
2024 Income Guidelines
Families receiving SNAP benefits and Homeless and Foster Children are automatically eligible for our services.
Twelve months of documented income must be provided, i.e., W2, 1040, 1099, paystubs, OWF, SSI, Social Security, Child Support, Unemployment, etc.
If a family claims no income for the previous twelve months, the enrollment office will provide more information on what will be required.
Proof of age is required for child applicants (birth certificate/birth record).
Pregnant women will not need to provide proof of age, nor will they need to prove pregnancy.
Other information needed:
- Name, address, and phone number of two emergency contacts
- Custody/guardianship paperwork, if applicable.
- Name of child's doctor and dentist
Applications are always accepted! Please call our main office at 330-297-7795 to learn more and to schedule your enrollment appointment!