ROCKFORD, Ill. – Getting children ready to attend kindergarten by engaging kids and parents as early as possible is the goal of the federally funded Head Start program.

Rockford’s Head Start, located at 612 N Church Street, received news that they will receive another five years of funding thanks to a new federal grant.

The program combines early childhood development and family engagement. Head Start classes are held at three Rockford public schools and four childcare partners, and is available to low income families with children from birth to five years old.

Head Start’s Executive Director of Rockford Human Services said, “Head Start provides an opportunity for many, many children — hundreds of children every year — in our community to really be ready to be successful learners. And that really affects the outcomes of not only those with children and families, but also for our community, in terms of having successful learners.”

Parents interested in enrolling their child in Head Start can visit this link for more information.