What We Do
At GBCA Head Start/Early Head Start, our goal is to not only get your child ready for kindergarten, but to prepare your entire family for life beyond the program. Our extensive services and resources range from early childhood education to health, nutrition, parent education, family counseling, financial counseling, and more.
Making an Impact
96%
KIDS THAT DEVELOPED SKILLS TO USE TOOLS/TECHNOLOGY
94%
KIDS THAT IDENTIFY AND NAME LETTERS
92%
KIDS THAT MASTERED FINE MOTOR SKILLS
91%
KIDS THAT USE AND EXPANDED VOCABULARY
88%
KIDS THAT DEVELOPED COUNTING SKILLS
81%
KIDS THAT IDENTIFY OBJECTS AND SHAPES
How We Do It
Education
Every day at GBCA Head Start and Early Head Start, infants, toddlers and children enjoy activities and games that follow a research-based curriculum that aligns with NJ State licensing standards and is designed to teach everything from letters and numbers to sharing and getting along with others.
Nutrition
At mealtimes, students eat delicious, nutritious, USDA-approved meals from a menu prepared by our in-house registered dietitians. We also offer 31 specialized menus that can be prepared for students who have dietary restrictions due to allergies or cultural needs.
Health
All Head Start students are given free health, dental, vision, and height and weight screenings by medical professionals within the first 45 days of beginning the program. They are then referred to health services of the highest quality right in their own communities.
Diversity
All of our schools are multilingual and include children and families from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Diversity is celebrated both inside and outside of the classroom.
Special Needs
Children with disabilities are a welcome part of our program. Parents, teachers, and specialists all work together to develop a unique program for each child, both in the classroom and at home.
Support
Each family is assigned its own family worker, and together they create a family Partnership Plan, which helps them identify life goals and the steps needed to accomplish them.
Locations
click each map to view location
BERGEN COUNTY
PATERSON
JERSEY CITY
Information
Quick Links
Greater Bergen’s Head Start program provides free early childhood education and family services to low-income families in Bergen County, Jersey City and Paterson, NJ. Comprehensive services and resources prepare children for kindergarten, enhance their emotional and physical well-being, and foster stable family relationships.
Contact Us
Bergen County Head Start
263 Lafayette Avenue
Cliffside Park NJ 07010
201-366-1020
Jersey City Head Start
93 Nelson Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07307
201-884-1050
Paterson Head Start
500 E 35th Street
Paterson, NJ 07504
973-546- 2634