Working Collaboratively to Address the Needs of All Preschool Children

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

In 1986, the York County Board of Supervisors applied for and received the federal grant to operate the head Start program for the County. The first Head Start grant served slightly fewer than 50 children. In 1996, a short ten years later, the program’s enrollment had more than doubled to 117 children and with seven classrooms in four locations throughout the County. In ten years since York County began operating the Head Start program, they have served over 2,000 children and their families. The County’s support of the Head Start program is extensive. Head Start staff is part of the County’s employee classification system. However, it is important to note that the federal funds provided by the Head Start grant are not sufficient to cover the full operating costs of the program. The County generously funds the salary and benefits portions not covered by the grant, ensuring that staff is of the highest caliber for working with the County’s children. The Board of Supervisors understands the importance of providing the best quality services to the children and families in its early childhood programs. The services would not be possible without the financial and in-kind support provided by the county and its departments and divisions.