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What is Head Start?

Head Start is a federally funded program for income eligible families with preschool children three to five years of age.


"Educating Children, Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities"

Enroll Now!

Call today to enroll your child in the SIU Carbondale Head Start program for upcoming school year.

Enroll Now

About our Program

SIU Head Start is a program operated by Southern Illinois University Carbondale on a federal grant. The program is designed to serve children three to five years of age from families qualifying for Head Start throughout Jackson and Williamson Counties.

Head Start helps all children succeed by providing a comprehensive program that provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically.


Head Start recognizes that, as parents, you are the first and most important teachers of your children. We encourage you to participate in our program. We offer opportunities for you to become involved in classroom activities, in developing center programs, and direct involvement in the decision making of program planning and operation. We are hopeful that your experiences in Head Start will enhance your parenting skills and ability to make decisions.

2024-2025 Enrollment

If you are interested in applying for your child to attend please complete the Enrollment Interest 2024-2025 form.


If you would like your child to return next year, please complete the Intent to Return form. Once completed, just click submit at the bottom and we will forward to staff to be contacting you via email or phone.