What Does the Self Help, Inc. Head Start Program Do?

The Self Help, Inc. Head Start program provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family services for preschool children ages 3–5 and their families. We serve 31 Massachusetts communities across four Head Start sites (more information below).

Our services are designed to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and to support long-term academic success. We also work with families to set health and nutrition goals and support progress toward economic self-sufficiency.

Service Areas

Self Help, Inc. Head Start serves children and families at four site locations:
Brockton, Middleboro, Norton, and Norwood.

All Head Start sites are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Communities Served:

Abington, Attleboro, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Canton, Dedham, Easton, East Bridgewater, Foxboro, Franklin, Hanson, Holbrook, Mansfield, Middleboro, Norfolk, Norton, Norwood, North Attleboro, Plainville, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, Whitman, Walpole, Wrentham, and Westwood.

How the Head Start Program Works

Head Start classrooms serve no more than 20 children, with a Teacher and an Assistant Teacher in each classroom. We offer 3.5, 4, and 6-hour programs at no cost to families who qualify. Limited transportation is available for children living in Brockton and Attleboro.

Full Day Program

We also offer a 10-hour, year-round EEC Full Day Program.

  • Fees are based on a sliding scale.
  • Childcare vouchers are accepted.
  • Transportation is not provided for this program.

Health, Nutrition, and Daily Routines

All children receive:

  • A nutritious family-style breakfast and lunch
  • A healthy afternoon snack (in 6 and 10-hour classrooms)

Children learn good personal health habits, including handwashing before meals and tooth brushing after meals.

Health professionals provide:

  • Vision and hearing screenings
  • Immunization support
  • Dental screenings
  • Nutritional assessments
  • Follow-up services for any identified health needs

Behavioral health and additional educational support services are available for children and families with special needs.

Why Head Start Matters

The Self Help, Inc. Head Start program gives children a true “head start” by helping them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. We recognize that parents are their children’s first and most important teachers, and parent involvement is both welcomed and encouraged.

Our staff provide children with:

  • Love, acceptance, and understanding
  • Engaging learning experiences
  • Opportunities to succeed in a supportive environment

Children learn to socialize, solve problems, build language skills, and become enthusiastic, confident learners. They develop strong routines, explore educational materials, and enjoy meaningful, play-based learning experiences.

Children leave Head Start better prepared for kindergarten, excited about learning, and ready to thrive.