L.I. Child and Family Development Services, Inc., is a private, not-for-profit 501©(3) organization whose mission is to provide the mechanisms necessary for families to break the cycle of poverty and to provide high quality, comprehensive child development and family support services through the involvement of parents, communities and staff.
The first Head Start program began in Suffolk County in 1966 as a result of the Federal “War on Poverty.” Funding was appropriated to provide children from low-income families with a preschool experience to give them an equal opportunity for success in the public school system. These summer programs operated for approximately six weeks. Summer Head Start programs were located in Riverhead, Greenport, East Hampton, Southampton, Central Brookhaven, Amityville, Wyandanch, Bay Shore and Brentwood and were considered “Pilot Projects”. The programs were so successful, that funding was appropriated for full year programs. By 1968, full year programs were located in twelve target areas throughout Suffolk County.
Head Start is a comprehensive child development program, which also involves parents in educational training and job skills programs. The role of parents was expanded in 1970 when the “Parent Policy Council” was developed to include parents in the decision making process of the program.Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, enrollment in the twelve centers slowly increased, reaching about 900 by the mid 80’s. By the mid 90’s Head Start services were provided to over 1,300 children and their families in 14 licensed Head Start Centers with 57 classrooms throughout Suffolk County.
Today, our Head Start program provides services to over 1,500 children and their families. In addition to the 19 Head Start sites located across Suffolk County, this organization has four Early Head Start program sites that offer high quality services to pregnant women and infants. These Early Head Start Programs are located in Central Brookhaven, Islip and Patchogue. All of our Head Start and Early Head Start sites provide on-going comprehensive training and support services to families in the following areas: Education, Disabilities Services, Health (medical & dental), Nutrition, Mental Health, Family/Community Partnerships and Parent Involvement.
The agency employs approximately 300 qualified and trained staff to assist in the delivery of quality services to the children and families of Suffolk County. However, our services cannot be fully maximized without the dedication and unique support of Parent and Community volunteers.