Head Start, Early Head Start & Pre-Kindergarten Early Childhood Education Programs

Center-based or home-based options for children ages 0-5.

Home-based services for expectant parents.

Please call 401-367-2001 to learn how to enroll.

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Head Start and Early Head Start Application (English)

Head Start and Early Head Start Application (Español)

“Tell Me More” Referral Form 

Mission Statement: EBCAP’s Early Childhood Programs provide high quality comprehensive early childhood education services for eligible families and children from prenatal to age five. We partner with parents to teach children the skills and abilities needed for success in school and life. Together with our community, we support parents to keep children safe, healthy, and well.

All of our seven (7) sites are rated as either a 5-star or 4-star center by the Rhode Island Child Care Bright Star Rating System.

We collaborate with local schools to conduct developmental screens/assessments for children and provide early intervention accordingly. Additionally, we are a certified Kids Connect provider through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and Medicaid. Kids Connect program allows us to support children with special needs in classrooms alongside typically developing peers. All children are provided an educational experience guided by Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum (for center based), Grow Great Kids Curriculum (for home based) and the Teaching Strategies GOLD child assessment system.

As children are screened and/or assessed, teachers or home visitors use data to collaborate with parents and develop individualized education plans. All center-based children receive daily meals/snacks in the classroom at no cost to families.

We are proud of our comprehensive services that bring together an impressive array of internal resources and community partners to meet the needs of the children and families in our care.

People We Serve

We serve expectant parents, young children (0-5), and their families. We are actively looking for eligible children with special needs as required by the Office of Head Start’s enrollment standard. Children in foster care/kinship care, children and expectant parents experiencing homelessness are considered for priority enrollment.

Families receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program) benefits are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.

To provide each child an individualized learning experience, our program considers all aspects of the child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development and learning. Children and families of all abilities are welcome to the program. Modifications and reasonable accommodations are made to ensure all children are included in program activities.

Head Start and Early Head Start Eligibility Requirements

Pre-Kindergarten Eligibility Requirements

Key Features

EBCAP’s Head Start, Early Head Start and Pre-Kindergarten Early Childhood Education services include:

• Health Services
• Nutrition Services
• Behavioral Health Services
• Education Services
• Family Engagement and Development Services

All Head Start and Early Head Start families are assigned a Family Advocate (or a Home Visitor for Home Based Program) upon enrollment, who works in partnership with families to establish goals, and assists with community referrals.

Features of the Head Start program for children aged 3 to 5:

• Home-Based Preschool Program offers Head Start services to children ages 3-5 years in their homes. The program focuses on children who have a medical diagnosis, injury, sensory needs, or behavioral challenges that prevent attendance in a center-based, pre-school program.  Home-based services may also be provided to families who are not able to provide transportation to a classroom facility.
• Classrooms for children ages 3 to 5 operate five days per week between September and June at no cost to families. Children are not required to be potty-trained to enroll, and diapers as well as meals/snacks are provided at no cost to families.
• In Newport and East Providence, fee-based, extended childcare is available to families. Full day care can be purchased during school vacation weeks (excluding the December holiday break) and the summer months. EBCAP accepts, encourages and assists families to apply for the Child Care Assistance Program Application.

Features of the Early Head Start program for expectant parents and children ages 0-3:

• Home-Based Program for expectant parents and children up to age 3 enables parents and children to participate in weekly 90-minute home visits and to take part in playgroup activities at one of our centers or a location in the community. This program is provided year-round at no cost to families.
• In Newport and East Providence, fee-based, extended childcare is available year-round (excluding the December holiday break) for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Classroom group size is capped at 8 children with four children assigned to one educator to allow for more individual attention and nurturing care. Diapers, formula, and meals are provided at no additional cost. EBCAP accepts, encourages, and assists families to apply for the Child Care Assistance Program Application.

Features of the Pre-Kindergarten Program, children must be 4 years of age by September 1^st :

• Classrooms for 4 and 5-year-old children operate five days per week, between September and June at no cost to families. Children are not required to be potty-trained to enroll, and diapers as well as meals/snacks are provided.
• In Newport, fee-based, extended childcare is available to families. Full day care can be purchased during school vacation weeks (excluding the December holiday break) and the summer months. EBCAP accepts, encourages, and assists families to apply for the Child Care Assistance Program Application.

Transportation: Most of our sites are located on public bus routes. EBCAP does not provide transportation directly but will provide information to families about RIPTA bus passes, routes and other services. You may also contact RIPTA directly at 401-784-9500. EBCAP can also help families assess other options such as alternative site placement and home-based services.

Location(s) of the Program

Hours of Operation

Forest Site- Middletown              9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Aquidneck Site- Middletown       9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Chafee Center- Newport              7:30 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.

Mary V. Quirk School- Warren     8:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Turner Center- Riverside              8:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Tiverton Center                             9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Willett Center- Riverside              7:30 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.

How to Enroll

Applications may be submitted to Head Start and Early Head Start year-round. Apply online or call 401-367-2001 if you have questions or need assistance to complete an application.

Head Start and Early Head Start Application (English)

Head Start and Early Head Start Application (Español)

The Rhode Island Department of Education oversees on-line applications for the Pre-Kindergarten classrooms in the spring prior to the following school year. During the application period, families may complete the paper application and return it to the school of choice. 

How You Can Help

Our Head Start, Early Head Start and Pre-K programs actively recruit volunteers and encourage all parents to volunteer by participating in their child’s education. Parents are considered a child’s primary educator and a vital part of the program and the community. Volunteerism can potentially lead to job or leadership opportunities within the program.

Little to no experience/training in education? No worries! Head Start is now offering a full-time position specially designed to help people start a career in Early Education – Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship. A High School Diploma/GED is required. To learn more and apply click here.

There is also a variety of career opportunities that can be found at https://www.ebcap.org/careers-internships/careers/

Documents for Parents

Here you can find, view, and download our annual report, calendar and Head Start Parent Handbook.

2023-2024 Annual Report School Calendar 2024-2025 Head Start Parent Handbook