Early Childhood & Family Support
Indiana
Early Childhood & Family Support offers families exemplary childcare services that ensure children start school ready to learn and succeed.
As children grow and prepare to succeed in school, parents are encouraged to actively participate in their education and strengthen family bonds.
Now accepting new applications for IN Head Start Programs!
Learn More Today
HEAD START PROGRAMS
Receive high-quality early childhood education at your centers or in your home.
TRC’s Early Childhood & Family Support program provides services to eligible families with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in Head Start centers.
Head Start is a comprehensive program that offers quality early education in and out of the home, parenting education, health and social-emotional wellness services (including for women before, during, and after pregnancy), nutrition education, and family support services.
While we guide the very young as they learn and play, we also share our expertise with parents. By actively participating in their children’s early education, parents enhance their development and create strong family bonds.
In Indiana, TRC offers:
- Early Head Start: Infant and toddler childcare for children up to age 3 and pregnant women
- Early Head Start Home-Based Parenting Education: In-home education program for child and parent or pregnant women
- Head Start: Preschool for children ages 3 to 5
Center-Based Services
Each child receives a personalized educational program at the Head Start centers based on their specific strengths and needs. Through structured learning activities, play, and group learning experiences, children enter kindergarten with learning and social skills that rival that of their classmates.
Home-Based Services include weekly 90-minute home visits and two play group activities per month for parents and their children. Our home visitors are knowledgeable and experienced professionals who can answer questions about:
- Child development
- Early childhood education
- Principles of child health, safety and nutrition
- Adult learning principles
- Family dynamics


PARTICIPATE IN A RESPECTED HEAD START PROGRAM.
Head Start, created in 1965, is a federally funded school readiness program rooted in the idea that parents are their child’s most important teachers. All centers offer:
- Education: Plan interactive learning experiences to help children grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Children learn and play through activities they initiate on their own.
- Health: Provide vital services such as immunizations; dental, medical, mental health, and nutritional services; and early identification of health problems. The earlier a disability is detected, the better a child’s chances of succeeding in school and in life.
- Parent Engagement: Encourage parents to participate in programs and workshops, serve in leadership roles, and volunteer with activities. Parents must be active partners in their child’s education.
- Family Support: Seek to provide assistance if families have additional needs. By tackling challenges in a family’s life, we pave the way for success.
The programs are supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights and activities on any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Download the TRC Head Start Annual Report.
ENROLL IN OUR FAMILY-FOCUSED PROGRAMS.
If you’re looking for a quality early childhood center for your child, TRC might have an opening for you. Our centers accept new families year-round — applying is as easy as knowing your A-B-Cs.
Apply to a Head Start center in your community.

Your local program will provide the required forms and answer your questions. It will tell you what documents you need to apply.
Be
prepared.

Take a copy of one of these documents to your enrollment meeting:
• Award letter (amount received) for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• W-2 form or 1040 tax information
• Two recent pay stubs
• Unemployment statement
You’ll also need to provide a copy of at least one of the documents listed below:
• Certified birth certificate
• Hospital birth certificate
• Health department birth certificate
• Medicaid card
Check
your eligibility.

Eligibility is based on family income at or below the poverty level. Families in other situations — including homelessness, children in foster care, or receiving SSI or TANF — are also eligible. Discuss your situation with a local center coordinator.
OUR SERVICES ARE FREE TO THOSE WHO QUALIFY.
Centers located in Delaware and Madison counties serve children and families in the surrounding areas.