Head Start Ulster County: Free Early Childhood Education for Low-Income Families |
Ulster County Community Action operates Head Start centers serving 255 children with comprehensive education, health, and family services at no cost |
Head Start has been serving Ulster County families for decades, providing free early childhood education to income-eligible children ages 3-5. The program, operated by Ulster County Community Action (UCCAC), currently serves 255 children across multiple locations including Kingston, Ellenville, and other communities throughout the county.
What Head Start Offers
Head Start isn't just preschool—it's a comprehensive program. Children receive age-appropriate education in literacy, math, and social skills. The program also provides health screenings (dental, vision, hearing), nutritious meals and snacks, and support for children with special needs. Parents get involved through family engagement activities, parent committees, and opportunities to volunteer in classrooms.
Early Head Start for Infants and Toddlers
UCCAC also operates Early Head Start for children from birth to age 3, plus pregnant women. This program offers home-based visits and center-based services focusing on child development, health, and family well-being. The Kingston Early Head Start location serves infants and toddlers with specialized programming.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Head Start is free for families meeting federal income guidelines. Children must be 3-5 years old by December 1st of the program year. To apply, contact UCCAC at (845) 338-8750 or visit their office at 175 Colonial Drive in Kingston. Applications are accepted year-round, though spots are limited and filled based on availability and need.
Website: uccac.org
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The Kingston program for infants and toddlers sounds useful. I wish there were more details about center-based options outside Kingston.
We’d welcome more detail on options outside Kingston, too. UCCAC can clarify which Early Head Start services are currently available in each community.
Luis P.Same. Families in the western part of the county could really use a clearer list of options.
It's encouraging that children with special needs can get support there. I'd like to hear more about what that looks like at each location.
Nora WilliamsI'd like to know that too, especially whether families can meet with staff before choosing a location.
If you're thinking about applying, the UCCAC office is on Colonial Drive in Kingston. I didn't know they take applications year-round.
Beth L.I didn't know that either. It's worth applying even if a spot isn't open right away.
Glad they include meals and snacks. That takes one more worry off a parent's plate during the day.
Anthony M.Absolutely. Knowing they're getting lunch and snacks makes the daily routine a little easier.
The parent committees sound like a nice way to have a say in the program. I'd be interested to know when those meetings happen.
Parent committees are a valuable way to get involved. Meeting times aren’t listed in the information we have, so UCCAC is the best place to ask for the current schedule.
kim_87Meeting times would be helpful to include. I imagine it's easier for parents to join when they can plan ahead.
The December 1st age cutoff is good to know. I would have assumed it went by the start of the school year.
Priya ShahSame here. That extra time before the cutoff could make a difference for kids with fall birthdays.
Serving 255 children is great, but I wonder how many families are waiting for a spot. Limited availability can be tough when parents need to plan ahead.
That’s a fair concern for families trying to plan ahead. We don’t have a current waitlist number. UCCAC can provide the latest availability at (845) 338-8750.
Rob C.That waitlist number would be useful to know. Childcare plans are hard to make when you don't know the odds of getting a spot.
My daughter went to Head Start in Ellenville. She made friends there and was much more comfortable when kindergarten started.
Janelle R.That's lovely to hear. Having a few familiar faces on the first day of kindergarten helps so much.
Thank you for sharing your daughter’s experience. It’s lovely to hear that she made friends in Ellenville and felt more at ease starting kindergarten.
I didn't realize Early Head Start also serves pregnant women. Are the home visits available throughout Ulster County or only near Kingston?
Dave ThompsonGood question. I'd call the UCCAC office and ask which towns the home visits cover.
The dental, vision, and hearing screenings are a big help for families. Those things can be easy to put off when kids are little.
Maria G.Especially hearing checks. It can be hard to tell when a little kid is missing things people say.
The support for children with special needs matters. I hope there are enough staff and spaces to meet that need across the county.
For anyone going to the UCCAC office, it is on Colonial Drive in Kingston. I had to look up the street the first time.
Applications are open year-round, but limited spots can make that confusing. Do families get put on a waitlist if their local center is full?
I like that parents can volunteer in the classrooms. It gives them a chance to see what their kids are doing each day.
The December 1 age cutoff is worth paying attention to. We missed a preschool cutoff by a few weeks with our youngest.
I wish the income guidelines were listed here. It would save parents a step before they apply.
Glad Early Head Start includes home visits. Getting to a center regularly is tough when you have an infant and no car.
My daughter went to Head Start in Kingston. The meals and the time with other kids helped her settle into a classroom routine.
Only 255 children across the county? I wonder how long the wait is for a spot in Ellenville.
The dental, vision, and hearing screenings are a big help for families. It is good to see those included along with preschool.