Tri-County Head Start

Head Start parents and caregivers, this one is for you.

You know what Head Start did for your child and family. Maybe it was the teacher who caught something no one else had time to notice. Maybe it was a screening that found a problem early, while there was still time to help. Maybe it was just knowing your child walked into kindergarten ready.

There is a proposed federal rule that would take a lot of that away. It would drop the required health, vision, and hearing screenings. It would loosen the staffing that keeps classrooms safe. It would pull back the early support for kids who learn a little differently.

Parents and caregivers get a say in this. Not just the people in Washington. You.

If you are a Head Start parent or caregiver, please sign the Parent Sign-On Letter and stand with families nationwide: https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/how-to-speak-up-for-head-start/

Our cook has been busy all morning shucking fresh local sweet corn for the kids to enjoy at lunch!

🎉 FAMILIES, IT’S TIME TO KICK OFF A NEW YEAR! 🎉
Join Tri-County Head Start for our Family Kickoff! 💛💙 Get ready for an evening filled with games, activities, family fun, and plenty of smiles!

📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Maywood | 800 Milwaukee Ave., Waterloo

Bring the whole family and come connect, play, laugh, and help us start the year off right! 🙌

Be the Change. Be the Difference. Be Family. 💛

🌟 OPEN HOUSE IS TODAY! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome our Head Start families for Open House this afternoon! 🎉🏫

Come meet your child’s teachers, visit the classroom, and get ready for an amazing new school year! 💛📚

📍 Maywood Head Start
📍 Lily Furgerson Head Start
📍 Learning and Community Center

We can’t wait to see you and kick off a wonderful year together! 🥰

See you this afternoon! Open House hours are 3:00pm-6:00pm👋✨

Now Enrolling for Fall 2026–2027!

Give your child a great start with Tri-County Head Start!

We currently have openings for:

Home-Based Early Head Start for expecting families and children through age 2, with weekly home visits that support your child's growth and development.

Head Start for 4-year-olds in our partner preschool classrooms with Waterloo Community Schools, Cedar Falls Community Schools, Dunkerton Community Schools, Jesup Community Schools, Independence Community Schools, and 3-year-olds at Moser Preschool in Independence.

Our programs provide high-quality early learning, family support, and school readiness services at no cost for eligible families.

New families: Apply online today:
https://teamtricounty.org/enroll-now/

Returning families: Schedule your eligibility appointment:
https://calendar.app.google/MMtSWLXGKL9maEFq6

Know a family with a young child? Please share this post to help us reach them!

These Six Steps Can Help Save Your Child's Sight

Do not let your child play with fireworks, even if his/her friends are setting them off. Sparklers burn at 1800 degrees Farenheit, and bottle rockets can stray off course or throw shrapnel when they explode.
If an accident does occur, minimize the damage to the eye. In the event of an eye emergency:

*Do not rub the eye. Rubbing the eye may increase bleeding or make the injury worse.
*Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
*Do not apply pressure to the eye itself. Holding or taping a foam cup or the bottom of a juice carton to the eye are just two tips. Protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including the child’s hand, is the goal.
*Do not stop for medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the child to the emergency room at once – this is more important than stopping for a pain reliever.
*Do not apply ointment. Ointment, which may not be sterile, makes the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.
Seek medical attention immediately.

When it comes to your eyes 👁& fireworks 🎆, Celebrate Safely!!!

Where are button batteries in your home? Look for risks in items like these:
● Remotes and key fobs
● Flameless candles
● Hearing aids
● Tracking devices
● Kitchen and bathroom scales
● Toys and electronics

If you have little kids (or they visit your home), button batteries are a big injury risk. Look for products with screw-secured battery compartments. Check them regularly to make sure the compartments are still tightly closed.