CREC Head Start
Mission Statement
Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development.
CREC, along with Catholic Charities, The Village for Families and Children, and Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES), as partners, serve 426 children birth to 5 years, their families, and home based services for pregnant women, through the establishment of Head Start/Early Head Start programs in identified communities in Hartford and Middlesex counties.
The CREC Head Start and Early Head Start Program serves children based on need and eligibility according to the federal Head Start guidelines. Head Start programs serve children ages birth to five from low-income families, promote school readiness and support children’s growth and development of the whole child, in a positive learning environment. Comprehensive services include:
Early Learning: Children progress in social skills and emotional well-being, along with language and literacy learning, and concept development
Health: All children receive health and development screenings, nutritious meals, oral health and mental health support. Programs connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure that children are receiving the services they need.
Family Well-Being: Programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children’s learning and development.
Enrolling in CREC Head Start does not provide you direct enrollment into a CREC Magnet School.
Our Locations
| Location | Ages 0-2 | Ages 3-5 | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| CREC North Campus | 175 Enfield Street, Hartford | ||
| CREC South Campus | 261 Locust Street, Hartford | ||
| CREC Bloomfield | Eric D. Coleman Center 1051 Blue Hills Ave, Bloomfield | ||
| CREC West | 206 Collins Street, Hartford | ||
| Catholic Charities | SS Cyril Child Center 45 Groton Street, Hartford | ||
| Catholic Charities | Institute for Hispanic Family 53 Wadsworth Street, Hartford | ||
| ACES | American Legion 82 W Main Street, Clinton | ||
| ACES | Snow School 299 Wadsworth Street, Middletown | ||
| ACES | Valley View School 81 High Street, Portland | ||
| The Village | Home-based Services |
Service Areas
Designated Early Head Start Service Areas (Ages 0-2)
Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartland, Hartford, Marlborough, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Suffield, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks.
Designated Head Start Service Areas (Ages 3-5)
Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, East Granby, East Windsor, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartland, Hartford, Marlborough, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Suffield, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks
Designated ACES Service Areas — Middlesex County
Cromwell, Portland, East Hampton, Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Haddam, E. Haddam, Chester, Deep River, Essex, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Killingworth.
Enrollment & Eligibility
Children from birth to age five from families with income at or below the poverty level, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the Federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income) are also eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.
Policy Council
More information will be coming soon!
©2022 Capitol Region Education Council
111 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 •
(860) 247-CREC