Detroit, MI - Despite the limitations placed upon families due to our sluggish economy, parents have an opportunity to maintain quality education for their three-to five year olds through Wayne County Head Start.

“Part of being a region of choice for business and residents is quality education,” said Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano. “Many of our citizens are having to make sacrifices and changes in their lifestyles to accommodate the economic downturn we have been experiencing but thanks to our Head Start program it does not include sacrificing the education of their pre-school age children.”

Head Start provides a variety of educational activities and health services at not cost and is considered to be America’s most successful early childhood learning program. Studies show that early childhood education has a positive, lifelong impact on children and Head Start has been at the forefront of that movement for over 40 years.

“We are proud of the work our Head Start program accomplishes each and every day to provide quality child development programs,” said Wayne County Head Start Director Cecelia Mobley. “Many families don’t realize we are an available resource right in their community and that they qualify for our program.”

Wayne County Head Start programs are located across the county, excluding Detroit that operates its own program. Children participate in educational activities and receive medical, dental and nutrition services at no cost. Wayne County Head Start also offers special recreational events, family literary activities, and opportunities for volunteering including meaningful father/male involvement.

Parents can also directly contact the Head Start programs in their areas:
  o Downriver and Southwestern Wayne County – The Guidance Center at (734) 785-7702
  o Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Redford and Garden City – YWCA of Western Wayne County at (313) 561-4110 ext.10
  o Canton, Inkster, Livonia, and Plymouth (including Crestwood School District) – Starfish Family Services at (888) 887-9980
  o Harper Woods, Highland Park and Hamtramck – Wayne Metro CAA at (313) 957-3043
  o Wayne and Westland – Stottlemeyer Early Childhood Center at (734) 419-2630