Orange County Head Start, a proud recipient of the National Head Start Association Program of Excellence Award, has been providing comprehensive early childhood development services to children and support to their families since 1965.

Unlike traditional childcare programs, Head Start is designed to foster children's intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth, so they may reach their greatest potential. The program is based on the premise that parents are their children's primary teachers. Throughout the school year, parents are encouraged to become involved in their children's education. Parent involvement is the cornerstone of the program's success.  Furthermore, through community partnerships, Head Start offers access to a wide array of resources designed to empower economically challenged families.

Orange County Head Start is committed to ensuring that children are ready to learn and socially competent to enter kindergarten. In addition to receiving national, regional and local accolades for outstanding services to children and families, Orange County Head Start has maintained National Association for the Education Young Children (NAYEC) Accreditation at designated centers. Currently, there are 1,536 children and families at twenty-one (21) Center-based sites receiving Head Start services. The program also provides full-day, full-year child care services for 780 children, which allows families to maintain year-round employment.