Catholic Charities Westside Head Start still has openings for the 2023-24 school year for low-income families in the West Valley. The programs available include Head Start (ages 3-5), Early Head Start (0-3), services for expectant mothers and home-based education programs. Westside Head Start is available free of charge for qualifying, low-income families in the West Valley areas of Glendale, Tolleson, Avondale, Surprise, El Mirage, Peoria, Tonopah, Buckeye and Goodyear.

New this year, the organization is celebrating the grand opening of an expanded Dysart School District campus, which services parts of Glendale, Surprise and El Mirage. In addition, the Littleton School District has added additional Head Start classrooms to serve the needs of the growing West Valley.

“Catholic Charities Westside Head Start is thrilled for the commencement of a new school year and the grand opening of our expanded Dysart site. This exciting milestone signifies our commitment to providing high-quality education and comprehensive support to children in the community,” said Westside Head Start Executive Director Yatin Dua.

Catholic Charities Westside Head Start provides comprehensive early, continuous, year-round childhood education through a holistic approach by working with the entire family. Full-day programs emphasize pre-reading, language, math, cognitive skills and health, and social and emotional competence to prepare disadvantaged children for school, maximizing their potential for a bright future. There are also home-based services for pregnant mothers and children up to three years of age. These weekly home visits provide guidance for the parents to support their child’s development.

“The larger facility at Dysart and additional classrooms at Littleton enable Catholic Charities Westside Head Start to reach even more children, empowering them with the life-changing benefits of our renowned programs. By focusing on early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family engagement, we strive to equip young minds with the tools they need for lifelong success,” stated Dua.

Enrollment, other than for families with a member who has previously attended Westside Head Start or expectant mothers, can be completed online: https://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/all-locations/youth-development

The website offers both English and Spanish enrollment.
Expectant mothers and families with members who have attended the program should call 623-486-9868.