Early Learning & Development

Through Head Start, we aim to prepare students to be kindergarten-ready. We encourage learning through play, creative expression and guided activities that are focused in five key domains: approaches to learning, social and emotional development, language and literacy, cognition, and physical development.

We ensure each child is making progress by conducting ongoing screenings and assessments and by collaborating with parents and community agencies when further assessment is needed. Learn more about our own self-assessments here.

Self-Assessment Summary

A Place for All

Our welcoming learning environments include indoor and outdoor settings and support the full inclusion of children with disabilities. We also believe families that take an active role in their child’s academic development will create life-long learners. It’s why we create numerous opportunities for parents and caregivers to be part of their child’s educational journey.

Parent Engagement

Reaching for the STARS

We’re proud to be part of the Kentucky All STARS program, which recognizes and supports quality early care and education programs throughout the Commonwealth. The initiative serves all early care and education programs that receive public funding. The unified system is based on Kentucky’s Early Childhood Standards and research-based indicators of quality. Kentucky All STARS recognizes programs that have made a commitment to continuous quality improvement and provides programs with additional support including training, technical assistance and coaching.

Learn More

Our KY All-STAR Rated Centers

Knott County
Leslie County
Letcher County
Perry County

Knott County

Beaver Head Start
8022 South Highway 7
Topmost, KY 41862
(606) 447-2111

Carr Creek Head Start / Early Head Start
8596 Highway 160
Litt Carr, KY 41834
(606) 642-3690

Perkins Head Start / Early Head Start
238 Highway 160
Hindman, KY 41822
(606) 785-4604

Leslie County

Hayes Lewis Head Start
10130 Cutshin Road
Yeaddiss, KY 41777
(606) 279-3843

Leslie Early Head Start
22728 Highway 421, Apt. 34
Hyden, KY 41749
(606) 672-3990

Stinnett Head Start
12975 Highway 421
Hoskinston, KY 40844
(606) 374-7710

W.B. Muncy Head Start
142 Pirate Drive
Wooton, KY 41776
(606) 279-3762

Mountain View Head Start
170 Bears Trail
Hyden, KY 41749
(606) 672-1637

Letcher County

Cowan Head Start
81 Sturgill Branch
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-0718

Jenkins Head Start / Early Head Start
571 Dairy Hollow Road
Jenkins, KY 41537
(606) 832-4012

Mayking Head Start / Early Head Start
15 Highway 3410
Mayking, KY 41837
(606) 633-5043

Mountain Heritage Head Start
13315 Highway 588
Blackey, KY 41804
(606) 633-3376

Perry County

Perry County Head Start & Early Head Start Center
145 Citizens Lane, Suite 103
Hazard, KY 41701
(606) 435-1888

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“My child is excelling in the Head Start program. She always comes home excited to share the new thing she is learning at school. I am confident she will have a great foundation as she moves forward to kindergarten next year.” -Brittni P., Head Start Parent
“Head Start means my child is in a place where he is getting a start on his education, socialization with others, and learning discipline and rules from others that are not the same as those at home. Overall, a wonderful experience.” – Harley W., Head Start Parent

Take a Tour

Want to tour your local Head Start Center? We’d love to have you visit! Email us at the link below and we’ll be happy to schedule a day and time for you to come see what Head Start is all about.

Schedule a Tour
  • KHSA
  • ECLKC