Cleveland County Head Start

Cleveland County Head Start is a U.S. local government entity operating as a school district, registered in SAM.gov since September 3, 2009, with a primary focus on delivering comprehensive early childhood education and support services. The organization is dedicated to serving low-income families in the local community, providing critical developmental and educational support to children from pregnancy through preschool. Through its federal grant awards, Cleveland County Head Start works to promote school readiness and enhance the cognitive, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional development of children before they enter kindergarten.

The organization receives federal grants primarily from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF), specifically through the Office of Head Start. Its most significant recent award is a five-year $4,550,045 Head Start program grant (CFDA 93.600) effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029. This grant enables the provision of comprehensive services including early childhood education, health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support activities. Additionally, Cleveland County Head Start received American Rescue Plan funding in 2021-2023 to support COVID-19 relief efforts for early childhood programs. As a sub-recipient, the organization also participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which provides meals and snacks to eligible children and adults in care. These federal grant awards demonstrate the organization's commitment to delivering critical services that support the well-being and school preparedness of low-income families through targeted educational and support programs.