The Growing Tree, 18319 Lappans Rd, Boonsboro, MD 21713, US

Head Start of Washington County, Inc is a private, nonprofit, agency dedicated to making a difference in the community by providing comprehensive child and family development services to low-income, at-risk populations throughout Washington County. Currently Head Start of Washington County provides services to 485 pregnant women, children age 0-5, and their families, operating both Head Start and Early Head Start programs. 90% of the families we serve are living below the poverty line and have demonstrated a high level of need. Of the 10% who are not income eligible, most demonstrate another need such as a child with a diagnosed disability. Head Start programs are mandated through federal guidelines to make available, at a minimum, 10% of their enrollment opportunities to children with disabilities. Typically Head Start of Washington County exceeds this number serving from 17-22%. Many Head Start families are not aware of community resources, which are available to them. They lack education, literacy skills, life skills, transportation, access to quality child care, and access to medical and dental care. Head Start of Washington County is dedicated to assisting families in meeting their basic needs, as well as their long-term family goals. We have a long tradition of delivering high quality, comprehensive programming to low-income, at-risk children and families and provide a wide range of individualized services. These include child development, medical, dental, and mental health, nutrition, disability, social support, and strong parent involvement. Head Start of Washington County, Inc is a recognized and established agency that has successfully provided comprehensive services to families in Washington County for more than 35 years. Head Start consistently adheres to the highest standards for the children and families that we serve. This is reflected in the mission and vision statement for the agency which requires that all staff, board members, and volunteers abide by the Standards of Conduct that recognize and respect the individuality of the culturally diverse population that work with us, and that we serve. In 1964, the Federal Government asked a panel of child development experts to draw up a program to help communities meet the needs of disadvantaged preschool children. The panel report became the blueprint for Project Head Start.