Preparing Children for Success in School and Life

The Y in Central Maryland is a grantee for Head Start in Baltimore City. We provide children ages 3-5 a high quality early childhood education experience, including our MSDE-Certified Pre-K program. Our goal is to ensure that every child is ready for school and ready to learn. In fact, Y Head Start children routinely assess higher in school readiness than other assessed children across the state.

We work with families and local communities to strengthen the family unit through comprehensive services:

• Trained, knowledgeable and helpful staff
• FREE comprehensive services around education, health, nutrition, mental health and family services
• Family support and developmentally appropriate learning activities
• Referral services for resources such as: WIC, Infants & Toddlers, Health Care Providers, Food Pantry, Employment, and Housing
• Individual Child Progress Reports on what your child knows and can do
• Parenting workshops, trainings, and field trips
• Volunteer opportunities
• Complimentary Y family membership while families are enrolled in the program

Children are enrolled based on a selection system that ranks families by need. All children, including those with disabilities and those who are in foster care or are experiencing homelessness are welcome. 

Get a better idea of our impact and performance by viewing our 2021 Community Report. Also, Y Head Start participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) program. Click to see the CACFP non-discrimination statement.

Program Details

Y Head Start serves children ages 3-5 with an intentional focus to develop school readiness skills. Children are prepared to enter kindergarten ready to learn.

• Children ages 3-5
• Monday-Friday from September through June
• Full-day program from 8:30am-2:30pm
• On-site IEP services for children with disabilities
• Nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, snack)
• Complimentary family membership to the Y while enrolled in the program
• Must reside in Baltimore City to participate

CURRICULUM

We use the Creative Curriculum; a developmentally appropriate program that promotes children’s social-emotional development and learning in the core areas of:

• literacy
• mathematics
• science
• social studies

Education Through Movement

I Am Moving, I Am Learning is an education through movement program funded by a grant through Giant Food's Our Family Foundation. Through music and movement, educators are able to stimulate problem-solving and critical thinking skills and reinforce a variety of academic concepts  related to math, science and literacy, while developing motor skills and laying the foundation for a positive attitude towards physical activity.

Monthly themes to incorporate the Head Start Performance Outcomes for Math and Science and support the school readiness indicators identified by the Maryland Model for School Readiness. Training is also provided to parents so they are familiar with the songs and concepts being taught/reinforced.

SUPPORTING HEALTHY FAMILIES

Being a part of a supportive, active, and caring community is essential to good health and well-being. That’s why all families participating in Y Head Start and Early Head Start automatically receive a Y family membership included with enrollment! The membership continues annually at no cost, even during school holidays and summer months, provided you re-enroll by a specified date each year. LEARN MORE HERE.

Enroll Your Child in Y Head Start

TO GET STARTED: 

Review the list of locations below to see if we serve your area. Create a Head Start account to submit the pre-registration application to determine eligibility for the program. A member of our team will contact you with additional information. To start, click the button below, then click the REGISTER button on the next page.

Pre-Registration Application

You may also email us at tijuannahuggins@ymaryland.org. The Family Service Advocate or Family Development Specialist will explain the enrollment process and arrange a time to meet with you to complete an application. Please be prepared to bring the following documents:

• Proof of age (birth certificate or legal document for child 3-5)
• Proof of Residency (current lease, phone bill, BGE, etc.)
• Proof of Income (W2, tax form 1040, 2 current consecutive check stubs, SSI, child support, etc.)

Children are enrolled based on a selection system that ranks families by need. Upon enrollment you must provide:

• A record of your child’s immunizations
• Documentation of your child’s most recent physical and lead test/level
• Other supporting documents as requested

Locations

Y Head Start services are available at the following locations:

PUBLIC RELEASE: The Y in Central Maryland announces participation in the MSDE Child and Adult Care Food Program.