Providing Head Start and Early Head Services

Dedicated to optimizing the potential of children and families in Portage County, Ohio

What are Head Start and Early Head Start Services?

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.

240 children are served in 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 location.

84 children and pregnant women are served in Early Head Start.

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.

Head Start, Early Head Start, Home Based Visitors, Portage Learning Centers

How do You Apply?

Call (330) 297-7795 to schedule an enrollment appointment at our Portage Learning Centers Main Office.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Head Start and Early Head Start are income-based programs. Income guidelines are based on family size.

2023 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

 

News, Portage Learning Centers

Portage Learning Centers’ Latest News


Applications are always accepted! Please call our main office at 330-297-7795 to learn more and to schedule your enrollment appointment!


Please click here for access to our 2021-22 Annual Report. 


Part of our funding comes from the USDA. View their anti-discrimination statement that we follow at every center and our main office.


Our institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.