Head Start

Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program that focuses on preparing children to succeed in school.

Classrooms are warm, inviting places in which children can explore and be guided by their teachers. Literacy-rich environments help children’s emergent literacy, and math and science concepts are included in the daily curriculum.  There is also a special focus on children’s social skills, and providing a balance of active and quiet activities. Head Start also supports the development of the child’s home language and celebrates each child’s culture. Breakfast, lunch and snack are served and some transportation is available.

The comprehensive aspects of Head Start include looking at the whole child in the context of the family.  Head Start staff realize that the parent is the child’s first and most important teacher, and they support parents in this role.  There is frequent parent/staff communication through home visits, phone calls and parent/teacher conferences.  Staff also perform routine screenings regarding the child’s development, including health and nutrition status, and support parents to identify and obtain any needed resources for their child and family.  A hallmark of Head Start is its parental involvement component, including any significant male figures in the child’s life.  Parents are encouraged to participate in the program in a variety of ways from volunteering in the classroom or on field trips to serving on committees or attending workshops that are offered.

Head Start offers a variety of schedules to meet family needs.  Morning classes are free, and full day classes are offered to eligible families with a sliding fee scale for the afternoon session.  Eight Head Start classrooms are located at Pathways’ main site on Emerson Avenue in Gloucester, and there are two additional small centers, including one at the Gloucester Preschool located at the Fuller School, and one campus at the Rockport Public schools.

Pathways’ Head Start program must pass rigorous Federal program reviews every three years, and it is also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  It is also designated as a Universal Pre-Kindergarten program by the Massachusetts Department Of Early Education and Care.

Head Start Enrollment and Eligibility

To schedule an appointment with the Intake Department, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .