Councilmember Michael Johnson's
Arizona Informant Column
June 1, 2004

Head Start is not day care: it's 100 percent better

For nearly 40 years, the city of Phoenix Head Start program has provided comprehensive child and family development services to more than 50,000 families.

Currently, the city of Phoenix, Maricopa County and Southwest Human Development Head Start programs are recruiting children for the 2004-2005 school year.

The Head Start program is geared towards developing successful children and healthy families.

If you're interested in enrolling your child or children, please remember that your family must meet federal income guidelines for family size, and in order to enroll your child(ren) must be three or four years of age prior to Sept. 1st.

The Head Start program provides more to families than day care programs, it also offers individualized teaching, nutritious meals, health screenings, well-equipped facilities and a safe, stimulating environment.

In addition, some of the 152 sites throughout the county offer full-day, full-year child care services to meet the needs of working families.

The Early Head Start program provides services for pregnant women or low-income families with infants or toddlers.

If your family qualifies for the Head Start or Early Head Start programs enroll now. For more information on how to apply, call 480-464-9669 in the East Valley, 623-486-9868 in the West Valley and 602-262-4040 or 602-266-5976 for Central Phoenix locations. Enrolling in the Head Start program is one of the best things you can do for your child.

Michael Johnson is a Phoenix City Councilmember who represents District 8. His office can be reached at 602-262-7493 or at michael.johnson@phoenix.gov via e-mail.