Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS)
Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for children ages 3-5. Early Head Start is designed for designed for pregnant women and children birth to 3 years. Both programs use a two-generational, comprehensive approach to ensuring children and their caregivers are school-ready.
CAW/M is the sole grantee for both Head Start and Early Head Start services in Wayne and Medina Counties. We serve 373 HS children and 165 EHS children at any given time in our center-based and home-based programs.
Comprehensive Services
CAW/M understands that for children to be ready to learn, they have to be healthy and secure. We also understand that parents often need support in order to fulfill their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Comprehensive services are provided for children and caregivers in the areas of education, health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, parent engagement, and more.
Education
Young children learn through their experiences and through play. CAW/M’s classrooms encourage children to explore language, literacy, math, and science through their everyday activities. CAW/M uses researched-based curriculums designed for the age-group served. All children are assessed three times per year in the areas of math, language and literacy, health, physical development, social-emotional development and cognition and teachers individualize learning activities to support each child.
All of CAW/M’s centers are 5-star Step Up to Quality rated, the highest possible rating. Step Up to Quality is a program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that certifies a program exceeds the minimum standards for child care.
Program Options
Community Action Wayne/Medina offers Head Start and Early Head Start services in a variety of program options to meet your family’s needs.
Center Based
Head Start services are offered at eight locations, four in each county. Most classes operate on a part-day, part-year basis with two 3.5 hour sessions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Four centers offer 6 ½ -hour classes on a part-year basis, Orrville, Rittman, West Salem and Chatham. The program year runs from late August until mid-May.
In addition to the part-day, part-year classes, CAW/M offers one full working day session at the Wooster 3 location. Priority is given to families with an Ohio Job and Family Services Childcare Voucher. Hours of extended enrollment are based on caregivers’ work hours.
Home Based
Both Head Start and Early Head Start are available as home-based services. This option includes a once weekly home visit lasting a minimum of 1.5 hours by a trained Family Visitor in addition to twice-monthly socialization activities designed to give adults and children and opportunity to interact and learn with their peers. EHS Home Base services are year-round, while HS Home Base services operate on a part-year basis.All of CAW/M’s centers are 5-star Step Up to Quality rated, the highest possible rating. Step Up to Quality is a program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that certifies a program exceeds the minimum standards for child care.
Head Start In Numbers
Eligibility
Families applying for services must meet certain eligibility criteria. All applications are completed during a meeting with one of our Enrollment Specialists, who are highly trained to certify eligibility. An initial review will look at family income, child’s record of age, and immunization status.
Foster children, homeless, and families who receive TANF/OWF public assistance are automatically eligible for the program.
Center Locations
CAW/M has four locations in each County.
| Wayne County | Medina County |
|---|---|
| Orrville Head Start 1801 Smucker Drive Orrville, OH | Wadsworth Head Start 146 High Street Wadsworth, OH |
| Wooster 3 Head Start 905 Pittsburgh Avenue Wooster, OH | Amazing Wonders Head Start 1330 North Carpenter Road Brunswick, OH |
| West Salem Head Start 99 East Buckeye Street West Salem, OH | Creative Kids Head Start 787 West Lafayette Road Medina, OH |
| Rittman Head Start 250 North Street Rittman, OH | |
| Wayne County Administrative Office 905 Pittsburgh Avenue Wooster, OH | Medina County Administrative Office 799 N. Court Street Medina, OH |
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Enrollment Specialists will let you know all documents that are needed at your initial appointment. Those documents include: proof of the family’s income for the last year from all sources, child’s birth certificate or other official documentation of age, child’s immunization record, IFSP/IEP if applicable, and custody papers if applicable. Other documentation may be requested.
Children and families are selected based on a priority points system. As a result, it is impossible to determine the length of time a child will wait before placement. For fastest placement, apply during the summer months for fall enrollment and keep your information updated with our office.
Ready to get a
Head Start?
Request Information
* Eligible children are enrolled regardless of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, or disabling condition.
Stop by one of our CAW/M Administrative Offices or give us a call:
Medina County
799 N. Court Street, Medina, Ohio 44256
info@cawm.org
Tel: 330-723-2229
Wayne County
905 Pittsburgh Avenue, Wooster, Ohio 44691
info@cawm.org
Tel: 330-264-8677