Home Where We Work Illinois Hub Become a Head Start Provider

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Become a Head Start Provider

As a federal grant recipient, Start Early operates the Early Learning Network (ELN) and provides Head Start funding and guidance to programs across the Chicagoland area and suburbs. Learn more about becoming a Head Start provider and the benefits of joining our network.

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Take Your Next Step

Learn more about our Early Learning Network and the benefits of partnership, inquire about funding, or read our FAQs to help make your decision.

Benefits of Joining Our Network

Learn more about the benefits of joining the Early Learning Network and becoming a Head Start provider.

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Inquire About Funding

Fill out our interest form to start the application process for joining our Early Learning Network.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Review our FAQs to better understand our application process and Head Start program requirements.

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The Benefits of Joining the Early Learning Network

Learn more about our network and why joining and becoming a Head Start provider may be the best decision for your program or agency!

Why Join Our Network

Joining the Early Learning Network means becoming part of a collaborative community backed by Start Early’s expertise and resources.

Woman in tie-dye holding child and smiling. We provide agencies with:

Programmatic oversight
Professional development
Research-to-practice strategies and opportunities for collaboration

We also work hand in hand with our policy teams, providing key insights and learnings to help our share our work with systems and policy leaders, creating real solutions to expand program funding, service options and access to better serve communities at the state and national level.

Through these practices and partnerships, we are helping agencies strengthen services, grow staff capacity and meet the unique needs of their communities.

Take the Next Step

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Why Become a Head Start Provider

Becoming a Head Start provider is an opportunity to expand your impact by supporting young children, strengthening families and growing your program through a nationally recognized early childhood model.

Strengthen & Stabilize Your Program: Head Start partnerships provide reliable funding that helps programs stabilize operations and plan for the future. This support helps providers maintain staff, strengthen facilities and invest in program quality. Providers also receive coaching, professional development and technical assistance to meet Head Start Performance Standards and continuously improve their services.
Support Children & Families: Head Start programs go beyond early learning. Providers are supported in offering comprehensive services that help children and families succeed, including health and developmental screenings, mental health supports, nutrition resources and strong family engagement.
Make a Difference in Your Community: Head Start providers play a vital role in expanding access to high-quality early learning for families who need it most. By supporting children’s development and helping families access resources, providers contribute to stronger communities and brighter futures for the next generation.

Services We Provide Our Agencies

When your program becomes a Head Start and/or Early Head Start provider, you can expect comprehensive support, so your agency or Family Child Care Home can reach its fullest potential.

Some of the services we provide include: Woman holding child.

Ongoing in-depth guidance and support to ensure quality early childhood services and programs meet and exceed compliance standards
Research-backed professional development courses and trainings with ongoing program implementation support
Hands-on mentorship to empower directors, managers, and content-area coordinators to effectively manage your program
Guidance on health and wellness programming and support services
Support with staff hiring and retention
Technical assistance

Have more questions?

Checkout our FAQ!

Our Values

Our values guide our practices and help ensure we meet the goals and promises we make with our agencies.

We Value:

Integrity: We lead with honesty and respect, building trust with families, educators and partners. Our decisions are grounded in evidence and reflect the communities we serve and our commitment to children’s success.
Empowerment: We empower families, educators and agencies to lead change in their communities. Their voices shape our strategies, programs and advocacy.
Transparency: We are open about our choices, finances and learnings – celebrating successes and acknowledging challenges – so that partners and families have trust in our strategies and practices.
Innovation: We innovate with purpose, using research, data and cultural responsiveness to design solutions that meet the evolving needs of families and communities.

Let’s Connect!

Inquire About Funding

Frequently Asked Questions

Review our frequently asked questions about becoming a Head Start and/or Early Head Start provider and joining the Early Learning Network.

Please complete the provide interest form on this page. Once your program information is received, one of our team members will reach out to you within two business days to discuss next steps.

Partner with Us

The application process is unique to each specific program applicant and the recipient’s (Early Learning Network’s) current availability of funding. The process includes an assessment and application process, which can take up to six months.

Criteria for Consideration: 
-Your program is located within Start Early’s current service areas.
-Your center-based program or Family Child Care Home must have a current DCFS license, or be license exempt.
-Start Early’s Early Learning Network will review your program’s DCFS Sunshine Report and assess violations within the last three years. Your program must have no violations or fewer than 10 corrected or substantiated minor violations.
-A minimum of two classrooms for the requested program option.
-Your program must currently be operating at 97% enrollment capacity (children enrolled) and have an active waitlist.

As a federal grant recipient, the Early Learning Network provides comprehensive guidance on data-backed early learning practices via our team of subject matter experts (SMEs).

Specifically, we provide direction and support on the following areas:
Eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA); education; disabilities services; mental health services; parent, family and community engagement; environmental health and safety; data/continuous quality improvement; and professional development opportunities.

Your agency’s success is our main goal, and we ensure unparalleled financial support and resources for our programs.  

Yes. During the first year of the partnership, your program will be assigned a program liaison manager, who will help facilitate your transition into a Head Start program and onboarding as a part of our network. Meetings will occur weekly at a minimum.

While it varies program to program, in the event you already have one or more funding sources for your Family Child Care Home, our team can review your funding details with you and help you determine the best course of action for supporting your program overall. From expertise in braiding and blending funding, to a deep understanding in grant fulfillment obligations, we can guide you through the intricacies and options you have available with your current funding restrictions, as you make your decision on becoming an Early/Head Start program.

Early Learning Network Annual Reports

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Resources for Professionals

From Interactive courses to engaging events, we support educators in building powerful practices that transform teaching and learning.

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