Indiana Head Start Association

Hoosier Voters Agree: Investing in Child Care is Good for Indiana! Hoosiers across the political spectrum view early childhood education funding as a critical investment.

Right now, Indiana providers only have the capacity to serve 61% of the children who need care. Our families and our economy need a boost.

Lawmakers have a critical opportunity to pass full-year funding—urge Congress to prioritize early learning and child care for Indiana families.

Visit indianaheadstart.org and click the CONTACT YOUR REP button to tell Congress early childhood education works and should be supported and funded, no matter what.

From Head Start student to hometown entrepreneur and social media influencer, Ezekiel Ryan’s story is proof that early support can create lifelong impact.

Raised by a single mother in Logansport, Indiana, Ezekiel says Head Start helped him build the communication and relationship skills that shaped his future. From serving in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to earning a college degree and launching his own successful media and branding businesses.

Today, Ezekiel connects with nearly 100,000 followers through his creative work and continues giving back to his community through entrepreneurship and mentorship. But he says it all started with the encouragement and connections he experienced at Head Start.

“The Head Start program is more than a head start for kids,” Ezekiel said. “It’s a leap.”

At Head Start, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive. No matter where they begin.

Did you know that every Head Start program in Indiana is designed locally?

Meaning that services are tailored to the specific needs to children in YOUR community. But how can we do that?

Using the Head Start approach to reach the children and families who need our services the most...programs are designed according to community need. That Head Start approach critically involves families, community partners, local data, and ongoing community assessments to better understand the unique strengths and challenges families face.
From education and health services to nutrition, disability support, parent engagement, and family resources, Head Start programs are built to respond to what local children and families truly need to thrive.

Because no two communities are exactly alike, no two Head Start programs look the same. That’s the power of locally designed services, and why Head Start continues to make a difference for Hoosier families every day.

Our friends remind us that June is Men's Health Month! Men are important role models in children's lives. When men make healthy decisions, like not smoking or va**ng, the kids in their lives notice and look up to them!

Direct funding. Local impact. Big futures.

Head Start empowers trusted local organizations to design and run early childhood services that fit their community's unique needs. Across six Indiana counties, Brightpoint is leading the charge!

By receiving direct federal funding, Brightpoint provides comprehensive education and resources for children from birth to age five and their families.

We love seeing federal resources put to work by local experts who care!

Find a program near you: indianaheadstart.org

Navigating tough times? Head Start and Early Head Start are here to support you.

If your family is experiencing homelessness, poverty, or is caring for children that are part of the foster care system, you likely qualify for our comprehensive programs from birth to age five.

We offer free, high-quality early education, healthy meals, and dedicated family resources to help you build a stable, bright future.

Let’s take the next step together. Check your eligibility and find a center near you at indianaheadstart.org

Head Start does more than prepare children for school. It strengthens Indiana’s workforce and economy.

Across Indiana, Head Start serves more than 12,900 children and families, supports over 4,000 employees, and helps nearly 8,000 parents stay employed, attend school, or participate in job training. If counted as its own school district, Head Start would be Indiana’s 12th largest.
Without Head Start, Indiana families, businesses, and communities would face massive childcare gaps and long-term economic losses.

📉 Northwest Indiana alone could see a projected impact of more than $128 million.
📉 Indiana’s 2nd District could face losses exceeding $109 million.
📉 Indiana’s 8th District could see nearly $120 million in economic impact.

Head Start is NOT just an early childhood program, it’s an investment in working families, local businesses, and the future of Indiana.

Today, we honor the memory of the heroes who gave everything to protect our freedom.

From our Indiana Head Start family to yours, we wish you a safe and reflective Memorial Day.

When it comes to early childhood education, Head Start is the nation's gold standard.

We deliver a comprehensive, whole-child approach that builds a foundation for a lifetime of success. We don't just teach, we provide:

🍎 High-Quality Education: Research-backed learning that sparks curiosity.

🩺 Health & Wellness: Access to nutritious meals, dental screenings, and medical checkups.

🤝 Family Support: Resources for parenting, employment, and housing.

For over six decades, Head Start has been the premier launching pad for millions of future leaders. When we invest in Head Start, we invest in the ultimate beginning for our children.

Ever wonder what it’s like to change a life every single day?
At Indiana Head Start, our team doesn’t just "go to work". They show up for the future of our community.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to help us provide more than just a classroom. From mental health and dental care to nutrition and parent engagement, we offer a holistic support system for all children, including those at-risk children and with special needs.

If you’re ready for a career that fills your heart as much as your schedule, join us.
For job openings and more information, visit indianaheadstart.org/careers/