HEAD START & EARLY HEAD START
QCAP’s Head Start Program is an early childhood education and care program serving children ages birth to five and their families in Quincy, Braintree, Hull, Milton, and Weymouth.
Head Start provides comprehensive services including education, health, nutrition, family engagement and support. The goal of Head Start is to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and to promote their success in later learning. The program also supports families in meeting their goals of economic stability and security.
Program Options
At QCAP’s Head Start, your child will participate in an enriching, high quality curriculum that is tailored to meet their unique learning needs. The warm and caring teaching staff will support your child in a variety of experiences including their Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Language and Literacy, Cognition, and Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development.
Head Start is open 5 days weekly from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 52 weeks per year. Parents/caregivers can choose from the following program options:
- Center-Based Options*
- Part-day, part-year preschool (for children ages 2.9 to 5) September – June
- Full-day, full-year preschool (for children ages 2.9 to 5)
- Full-day, full-year Early Head Start (for children ages 15 months to 2.9)
- Early Head Start Home-Based Option (currently converted to a virtual platform)
- Weekly home visits
- Parents-as-Teachers curriculum
- Parent/child group socialization
- Services for pregnant women
Family Engagement
Head Start education services are designed to support children’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. Head Start recognizes parents as the first and most important teachers in a child’s life. The program offers a variety of opportunities for families to be involved throughout the year including: parent trainings and workshops, school readiness parent meetings, and family enrichment activities. Parents can also get involved through parent committees, home visits, and volunteer opportunities. Some of these services are being conducted virtually.
Eligibility Guidelines
Head Start is for families with children ages birth to five, including children with special needs. The program is open to residents of Quincy, Braintree, Hull, Milton, and Weymouth. Head Start is free to low-income families who meet income guidelines. Voucher funding is also accepted for full-day enrollment.
Enrollment/Intake Process
Enrolling in Head Start is easy! Click here to complete the QCAP Head Start pre-application. You can also call the Head Start office at 617-249-2000 to have the application sent to you. Return your completed application via email at qcaphs@qcap.org or mail to:
QCAP Head Start
22 Pray Street
Quincy, MA 02169
ATTN: Enrollment
Once we receive your application, a virtual eligibility screening appointment will be scheduled. Head Start provides enrollment opportunities for children and their families on a continuous basis throughout the year.
Head Start Program Locations
Quincy
Rosemary & Archie Wahlberg Head Start Early Learning Center
22 Pray Street
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 249-2000
Quality
All QCAP Head Start sites are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The program has been recognized for its superior quality by our federal funding source, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (HHS/ACF).
Annual Report
To request a copy of our Head Start Annual Report, please send us an email to qcaphs@qcap.org.
