The journey of Early Learning Programs in Monterey County is deeply rooted in the national Head Start Program, a pivotal initiative launched in the summer of 1965 as part of the ambitious “War on Poverty”. This federally funded program was designed to provide comprehensive social services to young children from low-income families. Since its inception, Head Start has been instrumental in delivering crucial child development services to millions of children and families across the United States, serving over a million annually.
In Monterey County, the story began in 1965 when the County Board of Supervisors secured funding to initiate a summer program in Castroville. This program initially catered to approximately 100 children and families. From these humble beginnings, Head Start in Monterey County has expanded to offer extensive early education, literacy, nutrition, health, and social services to the local community.
A significant milestone occurred in 1972 when the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) took over as the Head Start Grantee, extending services to 300 children throughout the county. This year also marked a national shift, with the Head Start Program introducing regulations emphasizing mandatory parent involvement, recognizing the vital role of families in early childhood education.
Building on the success of the Head Start Program, MCOE was awarded the Early Head Start Program contract in 2001. This expansion enabled the program to offer specialized services for infants and toddlers, reaching 80 children and families from prenatal stages up to three years of age. Early Head Start funding was crucial in extending child development services to the youngest members of the community and expectant mothers.
From 1965 to 2009, the impact of the Monterey County Head Start Program became increasingly evident, with service slots growing dramatically from the initial 100 to 1,245 children and families. Over four decades of dedicated service, the program has positively impacted over 30,000 children and families in Monterey County. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts and unwavering support from schools, community partners, parents, and various service providers.
Further solidifying the commitment to early childhood education, 2018 marked a new chapter when the California Department of Education provided State funding to the Early Learning Program. In 2019, the program received additional funding to broaden its services, offering both part-time and full-time care options for children from families with incomes exceeding Head Start guidelines. This expansion ensures that a wider range of families in Monterey County can access quality early learning opportunities for their children.
