Head Start Program
The Metropolitan Action Commission Head Start Program of Nashville and Davidson County provides pre-school/pre-K education at no cost to income eligible families with children ages 3-5 years old. There are 7 Head Start Centers throughout Nashville. The Head Start and Early Head Start program serve 1,485 children, making Metro Action the largest provider of early childhood education for children birth to five in Davidson County.
Get information on Income Eligibility Requirements for Metro Action Programs.
Our Approach
The comprehensive approach to education and support services for children supports our agency's approach to serving families from a Whole Family/2Gen approach. Because the development of children is at it's height at a young age, dental, vision and hearing are performed at various points during the school year. Speech and Language screenings are also a part of the Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
Families with young children that have diagnosed disabilities that impede their learning abilities are encouraged to contact us for enrollment. Your child may qualify for enrollment in Head Start regardless of household income. All classrooms promote an inclusive learning environment for all children.
For more information or call 615-862-8860, Extension 70140.
Additional Head Start Program Information
- Head Start Services for children with diagnosed disabilities
- Head Start Enrollment (Inquiry Form)
- Head Start Program Services and Enrollment Information
- Head Start Center Locations
- Head Start Partner Sites
- Income Eligibility Guidelines
Early Head Start Program
Getting Ahead with an Early Head Start
The Early Head Start (EHS) program is for low-income infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families. EHS programs enhance children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; assist pregnant women to access comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care. In addition to addressing the immediate health and well-being of the child and parent, the program also prioritizing the family economic security, educational success as they are beginning or adding to their family. This Whole Family/2Gen approach secures the system of support is strengthened or established.
Get information on Income Eligibility Requirements for Metro Action Programs.
Locations
Locations serving infants and toddlers age 0-3 years old:
- Berry Head Start and Early Head Start Center, 615-862-8911
- Frederick Douglass Head Start and Early Head Start Center, 615-862-8878
- Richland Head Start and Early Head Start Center, 615-862-8935
- Tom Joy Head Start and Early Head Start Center, 615-880-1690
Qualifications for Participation
This is a free program, but families must meet qualifications to participate.
If your child has a diagnosed disability that affects your child's ability to learning and has a IFSP, your family is not required to meet the federal income guideline. Families of children without a diagnosed disability desiring to enroll their children into the Early Head Start Program must meet the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. If you qualify you will need to bring:
- Proof of Family Income
- Insurance Cards
- Social Security Cards
- Child's Birth Certificate
- Shot Record
- Current Well Baby physical