Impact

Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS), serving two generations, support the mental, social, and emotional competence of children from birth to age five. In addition to education, HS/EHS provides children and their families with health, nutrition, and social-emotional education. Programs are responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage, and focus on whole-child development in the context of the family and community. HS/EHS provides early education within a comprehensive service framework committed to engaging families in their children’s development. HS/EHS recognizes parents as the child’s first and most important teacher and as leaders in program governance.

With a 60-year legacy and 45 years in the Lehigh Valley, Head Start strengthens local communities by serving nearly 2,000 families, of which 41% are two-parent households, and 81% have at least one parent employed, in training, or in school. Remarkably, 96% of participating children have a designated healthcare provider and keep current with wellness exams. Head Start plays a pivotal role in empowering both children and caregivers, impacting two generations by fostering higher developmental milestones, more graduates, and increased college enrollment. This leads to a stronger community with fewer incarcerations and a thriving future workforce. 

Investing in Head Start is a smart decision with a lasting impact, as early education is one of the most cost-effective strategies for boosting economic growth for at-risk children. Head Start also acts as a community economic multiplier, stimulating local sustainability. By lowering future costs associated with special education, social services, and criminal justice, early education promotes better health outcomes and enhances family productivity, leading to long-term self-sufficiency and positive community impacts. An impressive 97% of Head Start families reported that the program increased their understanding of the importance of regular attendance.

Community Services for Children (CSC) is a leader in early education and family support services that provides high-quality early education to over 1,200 children from low-income households in the Lehigh Valley and connects 20,000 children and their families to needed resources across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Our Mission

Prepare young children and their families to succeed in learning and in life through innovative, comprehensive, leading-edge services.

Our Vision

Engaged communities where every child thrives and every family succeeds.