L.I. Child and Family Development Services, Inc. dba Long Island Head Start, is a private not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Long Island Head Start (LIHS) promotes the school readiness of preschool-aged children (3-5 years old) from eligible at-risk and low-income families by providing no-cost childcare. Services are available at over 20 New York State daycare-licensed centers throughout Suffolk County, New York.

Head Start programs support children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, including:

Early learning: Children’s readiness for school and beyond is fostered through individualized learning experiences Through relationships with adults, play, and both planned and spontaneous instruction, children grow in many aspects of development. They progress in social skills and emotional well-being, as well as language and literacy, and concept development.

Health: Each child’s perceptual, motor, and physical development is supported to enable them to fully explore and function in their environment. All children receive health and development screenings and nutritious meals. Programs also connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure that children are receiving the necessary care.

Family well-being: Parents and families are supported in achieving their own goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Programs strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families in children’s learning and development.

Head Start Services:

• NYS Licensed Day Care Centers
• Full-day Educational Program
• Health & Development Screenings
• Language Development
• Transition into Kindergarten
• Nutritious Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
• Outdoor Playgrounds
• Full-day UPK at select centers
• Parent Involvement & Training Opportunities

Long Island Head Start also offers the Early Head Start (EHS) program. The EHS Program is for  children ages birth to 3. Just like the Head Start Program for preschoolers, Early Head Start is available at no cost to eligible, at-risk, and low-income families. Long Island Head Start offers the EHS program in four New York State daycare-licensed locations in Suffolk County. 

Infants and toddlers enrolled in the EHS Program receive comprehensive care, including nutritious meals, developmental activities, and a safe, nurturing environment to support their growth and well-being throughout the day.

Early Head Start Services:

• NYS Licensed Day Care Centers
• Diapers and Formula provided
• Nutritious Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
• Health & Development Screenings
• Language Development
• Outdoor Playgrounds
• Year-round services including summer
• Parent Involvement & Training Opportunities

The first Head Start program in Suffolk County began in 1966 to provide children from at-risk families with a pre-school experience to give them an equal opportunity for success in the public school system.

The first programs in Suffolk County were grass-roots summer programs, involving parents and other community volunteers in securing sites, designing programs, staffing the centers and constructing much of the equipment. These Head Start programs were considered pilot projects. They were so successful, both locally and nationally, that funding was appropriated for full-year programs. By 1968, full-year programs were located in twelve target areas throughout Suffolk County.

In the mid-1970’s, the agency began receiving training funds and established a training program for staff. The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential for teaching staff became available nationally, and Long Island Head Start was among the first to establish a CDA training program in anticipation of future mandates.

Throughout the 1980’s enrollment slowly increased, reaching about 900 by the mid 1980’s. With increased funding, Long Island Head Start began expanding its enrollment and number of sites.

The mission of Long Island Head Start is to provide a comprehensive learning environment to children respectful of their cultures and to assist families in reaching self-sufficiency through the combined efforts of parents, community, and staff.

Long Island Head Start staff provides Early Child Development services including:

• Education
• Nutrition
• Health
• Mental Health
• Family/Community Partnership
• Services for children with disabilities
• Support services to their families

Long Island Head Start