Head Start

Community Action Head Start Centers

Research shows that quality early childhood education is essential for success throughout a child’s life. Enrolling your child in preschool will help nourish your child’s mind, emotions, and social skills and prepare them for kindergarten and beyond! 

Below is a list of our current centers and the different program options offered at each center.

Head Start & Saint Paul Public Schools Partnership

Head Start and SPPS are offering an exciting new no-cost Pre-Kindergarten program for eligible families inside St. Paul Public School buildings. The program will include family support, opportunities for parent involvement, health support, and the full benefits of being part of the SPPS community. 

Who is eligible?

- Your child must be four years old by September 1, 2024

- Your child must live in the St. Paul school district

Children will be given priority if they are in the following categories: 

          -Family income is less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines 

          -Family receives SNAP (food stamps), MFIP Cash, or Supplemental Security Income 

          -The family is homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act (living in a shelter, couch-hopping, in doubled-up housing) 

          -The child applying for Head Start is a foster child 

Ways to apply:

- Visit the Community Action website at caprw.org 

- Stop in at 450 Syndicate St. N, St. Paul, MN 55104 anytime Monday-Friday, between 8:30 - 4:00 

- Contact the Community Action Enrollment Hotline at 651-603-5977 

- Contact the SPPS Student Placement Center at 651-632-3760 or spc@spps.org

Community Action Head Start Success

Enrolled in Head Start as a child, De’Quaia developed a love of reading, life and social skills, and appreciation for the benefits of a healthy body and mind. As De’Quaia’s mother LeAndra says, “One of the things she really took seriously was learning how to properly brush her teeth!”

As an advanced reader in elementary school, De’Quaia would aid classmates who were struggling. During high school, she succeeded academically and in extracurricular activities such as track, gymnastics, volleyball, and drill team. She helped establish “Girls Group”, a student organization designed to support and mentor African-American girls. The program model was recently adopted by the East Side YMCA.

After graduation, De’Quaia intends to study dentistry, perhaps a nod to her Head Start days when she learned how to brush her teeth.

Visit the NHSA website to learn more about Head Start's impact nationwide.

Comprehensive Services: The Foundation of Head Start