Head Start & Early Head Start Programs
Since 1965, LEO Inc. has offered a robust Head Start Program for income-eligible families in Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott, serving on average 450 families annually.
Head Start is the leading preschool program that prepares low-income children ages 3 to 5 for kindergarten. Early Head Start works in tandem, encompassing a family’s needs from pregnancy to age 3. LEO has three Head Start and Early Head Start centers in Lynn. Together, they provide a comprehensive program of birth-to-five care and preschool education that engages both children and the adults in their lives to be prepared for future success.
Early Head Start, for children 6 weeks to 3 years, meets six hours a day year-round at Stepping Stones Family Child Care Center. Compassionate, high-quality care goes hand in hand with research-based curriculum focusing on the individual needs of children and families, nutritious meals, hygiene routines, language development, group activities, socialization, and free play. Qualified LEO staff members assess every child for developmental delays and learning disabilities, partnering with Aspire Developmental Services to provide Early Intervention Services at a stage when they can transform a child’s educational journey.
Families not ready for center-based programs can explore LEO’s Home-Based Care, which offers weekly 90-minute meetings in the home setting. Home-Based Care is available for pregnant women and families with children from birth to age 3. Home visitors, parents and children engage in early learning and social development, health and wellness screening, and parenting support. Home-Based Care includes monthly socialization groups at Stepping Stones Family Child Care Center, as well as options for Early Intervention Services.
LEO has Head Start classrooms for children 3 to 5 years at Blossom Street Child Care Center and at Jack Robinson Child Care Center (Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care voucher slots are served at Jack Robinson). Classes meet for four hours a day, September-May at Blossom. Jack Robinson is open eight hours a day year-round allowing parents time to work or attend classes.
Each child in Head Start receives wrap-around services that ensure school readiness, including:
- Language and literacy
- Science
- Math
- Movement and physical activity
- Creative arts
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Height, weight, vision, and hearing screenings
- Behavioral health assessments
Head Start uses a two-generation approach to education by working with children and the adults in their lives together.
A team of teachers, curriculum specialists, health advocates, and case managers develop individualized learning and engagement plans so that families have the resources and opportunities to thrive. LEO prioritizes enrollment for children with urgent needs, including children experiencing homelessness, living in foster care, or those who have diagnosed disabilities.
To begin the enrollment process, fill out our online application:
Questions? Contact an Enrollment Coordinator for support:
Lisa Ciampa-Cahill: lisac@leoinc.org, 781.309.5668
Ana Collado: anac@leoinc.org, 781.309.5530
If you receive any services from LEO we want your feedback!
Client Satisfaction Survey English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Client Satisfaction Survey Espanol: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
children in LEO Inc. early education and care
504
children screened for Developmental Delays and Early Intervention
483
children received SPOT vision testing
376
adults improved their skills as parents
601
meals prepared by LEO Inc.
113,647