San Antonio's Department of Human Services is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 slot of their Head Start Program. This initiative aims to offer early childhood education alongside comprehensive support services to children and families who meet eligibility criteria. The partnership with Edgewood ISD and San Antonio ISD encompasses 29 campuses where 3 to 5-year-old kids can benefit from the preschool program, according to the City of San Antonio.
For those even younger, the Early Head Start Program aims to quickly start providing center-based and home-visiting services for infants and toddlers ranging from 6 weeks to 3 years old. The services are spread across six local nonprofit childcare centers and at Edgewood ISD. Applications are openly welcomed from all households, but priority is set for those already part of assistance programs like SNAP and TANF, homes dealing with homelessness, and kids undergoing foster care or those with suspected disabilities, as reported by the City of San Antonio.
Melody Woosley, the Director of the Department of Human Services, highlighted the program's impact, remarking, "Head Start provides community for households and teaches children skills they need to be successful in school. On average, 94% of parents surveyed in the 2023-2024 program year said they feel their child is ready to enter kindergarten." Going beyond education, the program also plays a crucial role in child health and family support by facilitating necessary services and connections, as stated by the City of San Antonio official statement.
Marking its 60th anniversary, Head Start proudly showcases its legacy of service to the community, locally serving close to 200,000 children since 1979 in San Antonio alone. This year, through continued efforts and support services, it hopes to continue enriching the lives of participants. Interested parties are encouraged to apply or gather more information by visiting SAHeadStart.org/How-to-Apply to further learn about the available opportunities, as per the City of San Antonio.
