Our Mission.

The Montana Head Start Association brings together families, staff, directors and friends of all Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Montana, to provide leadership, education, information and advocacy on behalf of young children, pregnant women, and families throughout Montana.

About Montana Head Start.

 

  • The Montana Head Start Association is a statewide membership organization with membership including Early Head Start and Head Start programs, staff, and families.

    Montana Head Start programs serve children from zero to five, expectant parents and work with families to support children who thrive and are ready for school. Programs currently are offered in 37 counties, including 5 Tribal programs and serve thousands of Montana children and families.

  • • Quality Education that is Developmentally Appropriate

    • Health & Nutrition Services

    • Family Support Services/Connection to Community Resources

    • Parent Engagement Activities

    • Services for children with special needs/disabilities

  • • Karen Filipovich. Executive Director

  • • Ashley Pena, President

    • Bev Matsko, Vice-President

    • Barb Brophy, Treasurer

 

What is Head Start?

Head Start is a comprehensive nationwide child development program that has served children and families since 1965.  These needed-based, child-focused programs serve children 3 to 5 years of age.  Head Start provides a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, and mental health; nutrition; and parent involvement which are responsive and appropriate to the development, cultural and linguistic heritage and abilities of each enrolled child and family.

There are 19 Head Start programs in Montana.

 

What is Early Head Start?

The Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers under the age of 3 and pregnant women nationwide. Early Head Start provides early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services to infants and toddlers and their families, and pregnant women.

There are 11 Early Head Start programs in Montana. 

Since 1965, programs have enhanced:

  • School Readiness:

    Children have better physical health, improved social skills, and increased math, language, and literacy skills that prepares them for school.

  • Social-Emotional Development:

    Head Start children show fewer behavioral problems, are less hyperactive, and are less aggressive. In the long-term, Head Start children are less likely to engage in criminal activities as young adults.

  • Child Welfare:

    Head Start are children less likely to be involved in the child welfare system and experience lower rates of abuse and neglect. For children already involved in the child welfare system, Head Start participation decreases subsequent encounters and enhances school-readiness and social-emotional outcomes.

  • Parent Advancement:

    Head Start enhances parents’ education level, employment status, and income. It also improves parents’ skills, reduces parental stress, and improves overall family stability and self sufficiency.

  • Success in Early Head Start:

    Early Head Start children perform better on a wide range of cognitive measures, have better social skills, and exhibit significantly fewer behavioral problems and incidents of aggression. These children have better access to health care and parental engagement.

“Young Families Early Head Start has saved my life! Without them, I wouldn’t be able to finish school and pursue college.”

— Parent, Young Families Early Head Start Billings

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