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Education & More!

Head Start educates young children and does so much more.  We provide support services to strengthen families and foster a spirit of life-long learning.

GLCAC’s Head Start is nationally accredited and recognized as a leader in early childhood education. The students learn more than ABC and 1,2,3. They build a foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with an award-winning STEM curriculum.

GLCAC’s Head Start serves children ages 15 months – 5 years old from low-income families in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover and North Andover who meet the program requirements and are eligible for subsidized services.

We have five locations in Lawrence and Methuen that offer two options:

• Half day during the school year.
• Full day all year long.

School bus transportation is available for most of the Greater Lawrence service area.

Contact Us

For more information on Head Start and other early childhood education services provided by GLCAC, please contact us at (978) 681-4920.

Learn & Explore

Head Start provides a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages learning and exploration.  Our students learn through play, interaction with classmates and staff, and discoveries within their environment.

Diverse classrooms increase exposure to multiple cultural groups. Our staff places an emphasis on teaching respect and building relationships.

All students are encouraged and supported in their:

• Social and emotional development
• Approaches to learning
• Physical health and development
• Cognitive and general knowledge skills
• Language and literacy with dual-language

The STEM concepts are woven throughout the curricula and supported with advanced technology in the classroom and STEM labs.

Promoting Health & Wellness

Head Start provides a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks daily through the USDA Child Care Food Program.  We also work with parents to:

• Establish good eating habits in children that nurture healthy development and promote lifelong wellbeing.
• Identify child health and development concerns.
• Link families to accessible health care sources.
• Promote positive, culturally relevant health behaviors.
• Encourage illness and injury prevention.

Specialized Services

Head Start offers services for students with unique challenges and learning processes, including:

• Home & classroom screenings to identify developmental concerns
• Referrals to specialists
• Assistance obtaining individualized education and family service plans
• Additional services provided on-site or through community resources

Empowering Parents

Parents are the primary educators of young children.  We encourage parents to set an example that education is important.  Head Start offers parents opportunities to:

• Volunteer in the classroom, kitchen, offices and on the school bus
• Attend seminars and workshops to improve their education and job opportunities
• Serve on either a Center Committee or the Head Start Policy Council and make decisions directly impacting the program

Supporting Families

Head Start promotes parent self-esteem, family self-sufficiency, and parent engagement.  The program links the family, the classroom and the community by:

• Identifying strengths, needs and interests of each family.
• Setting goals and finding solutions.
• Teaming up with community agencies to provide resources.
• Coordinating comprehensive services

GLCAC’s Head Start is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and funded by the following:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Mass. Department of Early Education and Care
• Mass. Department of Transitional Assistance
• Private donations