LC-CAA.ORG

Head Start

Helping People. Changing Lives.

Helping Children Build a Strong Start

Established in 1965, Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood education program designed to support school readiness for children ages 3 to 5 from income-eligible families. The program helps children grow academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and developmentally through a nurturing and engaging learning environment.

In addition to classroom learning, Head Start provides nutritional support, health services, family resources, and developmental screenings to help children and families thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Parents and caregivers are an important part of the Head Start experience. Families are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s learning journey while also receiving support in reaching their own educational, literacy, and employment goals.

A Comprehensive Program for Children and Families

Lake Cumberland Head Start operates a full-day program funded through an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

The program currently serves eligible children and families through:

  • 19 centers
  • 41 classrooms
  • a Home Base Program in 5 counties

Children attend classes Monday through Thursday, typically from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, following the local county school calendar. Classes are not held during inclement weather closures.

Transportation may be available in select areas. Families are encouraged to contact the center nearest them for specific transportation information.

Head Start proudly welcomes children with disabilities, with approximately 18% to 22% of enrolled students receiving supportive services.

Focused on Kindergarten Readiness

Our teachers and staff are dedicated to preparing every child for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Head Start faculty members hold degrees in Early Childhood Education, and the curriculum is designed to support the whole child through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Daily instruction focuses on:

  • early literacy and language development
  • social and emotional growth
  • cognitive development
  • physical development
  • early academic skills
  • positive social interaction

All curriculum, assessments, and school readiness plans are aligned with:

  • Head Start Child Development & Early Learning Framework
  • Kentucky Early Childhood Standards

Through fun, hands-on activities, children build confidence, social skills, and the academic foundation needed for long-term success.

Eligibility

Lake Cumberland Head Start serves income-eligible 3- and 4-year-old children and their families.

If you would like to learn more about eligibility requirements or enrollment, please contact your local Head Start center.

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Equal Opportunity Statement

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

APPLY NOW

McCreary County
Local Area Manager: Julie Phillips

Pulaski County – All Centers
Local Area Manager: Julie Phillips

Taylor County
Local Area Manager: [Add Name]

Wayne County
Local Area Manager: Sara Hutton

Content Area Managers

Ashley Strunk — Nutrition Manager
Gayle West — Mentor Coach
Hope Massey — ERSEA Specialist
Jodie Bivens — Disabilities / Health Manager
Mona Whited — Site Supervisor
Russ Milby — Transportation Manager
Tiffany Burris — Education Manager
Tonya Glover — Mental Health / Family & Community Engagement Manager

Center Contacts

Adair County
Adair Center
(270)-384-4111

Casey County
Liberty Center
(606)-787-9207

Jones Park Preschool
(606)- 787-1249

Clinton County
Clinton County Head Start
(606)-387-8747

Cumberland County
Burkesville Center
(270)-864-2524

Green County
Green County Early Childhood Center
(270)-932-6618

McCreary County
McCreary Center
(606)-376-5437

Pulaski County
Dunbar Center
(606)-679-3496

Southern Center
(606)-679-9187

Science Hill Center
(606)-423-3515

Hopeway Center
(606)-679-8602

Migrant Center
(606)-451-2095

Russell County
Russell Springs Center
(270)-866-2692

Jamestown Center
(270)-343-2692

Taylor County
Campbellsville/Taylor Co. Center
(270)-789-3978

Wayne County
Moticello/Wayne Co. Center
(606)-348-4078

Lake Cumberland Head Start application is for families living in Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne counties who have a child between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years old. Different program options are offered in each county. Please make sure you are choosing the option you want.

Disclaimer: This website is supported by Grant Number: 04CH012657 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Lake Cumberland Community Action Agency, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.