SEARP&DC Head Start Program
Giving Every Child a Strong Start
The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC) operates a comprehensive Head Start, Early Head Start Program and Pre-K preschool program designed to support the early development of children in low-income families. With a focus on education, health, family services, and community engagement, the program serves children across Barbour, Covington, Geneva, and Coffee Counties.
Our Mission
The mission of the SEARP&DC Head Start Program is to deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate services to eligible children ages 0 to 5 and their families—preparing them for success in school and in life.
We are licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). With over 51 years of continuous service in Southeast Alabama, our program:
- Serves 284 preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years old) across five Head Start centers
- Provides Early Head Start services to 32 infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 3)
- Partners with families and communities to foster healthy emotional, social, and academic growth
What Is Head Start?
Head Start is a federally funded preschool program providing free services to six weeks to five-year-old children of low income families. Enrollment priority is given to children from families meeting the federal poverty guidelines. Head Start actively recruits and enrolls children with disabilities and is committed to providing individualized services for the total inclusion of children with professionally diagnosed disabilities. Head Start staff, in partnership with parents, local agencies, and other community resource providers offer comprehensive services in the Childhood Development and Health Services and Family and Community Partnerships.
Head Start has provided leadership to improve early childhood education. The Head Start concept of early childhood education is a comprehensive program designed to meet the emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of children from low income families. Children from at risk environments often have health and educational disadvantages that would put them at a disadvantage in their educational career. Head Start provides these children with the opportunity to enter school with a “head start,” equipping them with what they need to be ready for the next step. Head Start provides the necessary “bridge of transition” to kindergarten.
Program Services
and Components
Education
The Education Component is designed to provide a learning environment to enhance social, physical, intellectual, and emotional development that is consistent with the child’s age. An individualized approach is taken toward assessing children’s needs and providing a daily lesson plan that respond to those needs. This approach is respectful of our multi-cultural heritage. Parents are considered partners in their child's Head Start experience and are encouraged to be an integral part of their child’s education since we believe that parents are their child's first teacher.
Pre-K
SEARP&DC's Head Start supervises Alabama First Class Pre-K classes which offer 4-year-olds access to high-quality prekindergarten programs. Alabama First Class Pre-K has been awarded the highest quality rating by the National Institute for Early Education Research. The research on the program’s long-term impact shows that children who participated in First Class Pre-K are more likely to be successful throughout their school careers than their peers who did not participate in Pre-K programs like those at our Head Start centers.
Mental Health
Mental health and psychological services are provided to Head Start children that encourage healthy social and emotional development. Mental health professionals provide on-site observations of classroom activities and consultation with both staff and parents. Mental Health training is provided at pre-service and in-service conferences to staff, and monthly parent meetings can also have guest speakers to connect mental health resources for families.
Nutrition
The Head Start program participates in the USDA Child Nutrition Program administered by the Alabama State Department of Education. Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided to every Head Start child. Nutrition training is provided in the classroom and at parent meetings.
Disabilities Services
All children are screened for physical disabilities and developmental delays. Each center works closely with the local school system to screen children and to identify and possibly diagnose students. Early diagnosis is key in preparing children for school. If professionally diagnosed, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed and implemented in daily lesson plans and activities. Ongoing services are provided to meet the child’s needs.
Family Partnerships
Family Partnerships is an essential part of every Head Start program in providing assistance in program planning, classroom activities, committee activities, and program governance through Policy Council activities. Parents are encouraged to become involved in every part of Head Start from the monthly parent meetings, parent committees, to the Policy Council. Parents are given the opportunity to participate in training, workshops, and attend conferences. Many of our parents have later become employees of the Head Start Program. The Family Service Specialist at each center help assist families based on the individual, family needs assessments. Families are encouraged to set goals and enter into a partnership with Head Start in striving toward their accomplishments. Head Start helps connect families to community resources, emergency assistance, and crisis intervention.
Center Locations and Contact Info
The SEARP&DC Head Start Program is a free preschool, child development program licensed by the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources to provide services to 316 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. We manage five Head Start Centers located in three rural Alabama counties. The Head Start Program, operating with HHS federal funding and local in-kind support, has provided continuous services to children in Southeast Alabama for over 50 years. Enrollment information can be obtained by using the link below or by calling Center Directors at the following Head Start Centers:
Eufaula Head Start Center
(Ages 3-5)
Florala Head Start Center
(Ages 3-5)
Florala Early Head Start
(Ages 6 weeks - 3 years)
Geneva Head Start Center
(Ages 3-5)
Andalusia Head Start Center
(Ages 3-5)
Andalusia Early Head Start
(Ages 6 weeks - 3 years)
Opp Head Start Center
(Ages 3-5)
Additional Resources
Apply for
Head Start
