Portage Learning Centers

Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive developmental preschool program for income eligible children (ages 3-5) and their families. Portage Learning Center receives grants from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services for the operation of this program. There is no fee for income eligible families to participate in this program that was designed in 1965 to primarily serve children from at risk families. Head Start has served as a role model for early childhood development programs. Although targeted for children from income eligible families, the program may accept up to 10 percent of its enrollment from families who exceed the federal income guidelines. In addition, at least 10 percent of the children enrolled must be identified as having certifiable disabilities in such areas as speech, hearing, vision, or physical disabilities.