PACE Head Start
WHAT IS HEAD START?
PACE Head Start and Early Head Start provides family-centered child development programming to 195 income-eligible children ages 6 weeks to 5 and their families living in the Greater New Bedford area.
- The program is at no cost to families who qualify. (see eligibility chart below)
- Part and full-day center-based services are available Monday through Friday, part-year and year-round.
Mission
PACE Head Start supports children and families through high-quality early education and comprehensive services designed to promote school readiness and lifelong success.
Vision
PACE Head Start envisions a community where children enter school ready to learn, families are empowered to achieve their goals, and partnerships strengthen the well-being of our community.
Application Process
To apply for services, please print out the application (located at the top of the page) and send the completed application to Jessica Correia at Jromao@paceheadstart.org.
For more information, general assistance, or to request the application in another language, please call (508) 999-1286 and ask to speak with Family Services.
Eligibility
Children from birth to 5 years old meeting income criteria are eligible for the program.
Programs may enroll some children from families whose incomes are higher than the federal poverty level if they meet other eligibility requirements.
Families with circumstances such as homelessness, children in foster care, or receiving SNAP, TANF, or SSI may also qualify for services.
Meet Head Start's Comfort Dogs!
PACE Head Start continues to explore meaningful ways to support the social-emotional well-being of children and families. In February 2023, Sam, a Goldendoodle, joined the Head Start team and quickly became a special part of the program.
Through the continued support of United Way of Greater New Bedford, PACE Head Start has been able to expand this initiative and welcome two additional comfort dogs, Ben and Mabel, to the Head Start family.
Sam, Ben, and Mabel spend time with children and families throughout the program, offering comfort, companionship, and opportunities for positive interactions. They greet children and families, visit classrooms, and join children in activities throughout the day.
Our comfort dogs provide another way for PACE Head Start to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and families.
Philosophy of Education
Our philosophy is an individualized approach to early childhood education, which builds upon a child’s strengths and promotes a positive self-image while guiding the child toward the development of School Readiness Skills.
Admissions
All families must complete a program application.
Children are prioritized for enrollment based on individual and family needs.
Ten percent of enrollment opportunities are reserved for children with disabilities; parents to children with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
32 Madison Street,
New Bedford, MA 02740
Ph: (508) 999-1286
Fax: (508) 979-5080
Email: info@paceheadstart.org
247 Smith Street,
New Bedford, MA 02740
Ph: (508) 984-3557
Fax: (508) 984-3555
Email: info@paceheadstart.org
Program Director: Kristine Silva M.Ed
Email: ksilva@paceheadstart.org
Kristine Silva has a MS in Early Childhood Education.
Social Media
PARENTS ARE OUR PARTNERS
- Supports parents as primary educators, nurturers, and advocates for their children.
- Assures that every parent has an opportunity for a significant experience in Head Start.
- Affirms the policy-making role of parents, which is the foundation of Head Start’s unique success.
SERVICE AREAS
- New Bedford
- Acushnet
- Dartmouth
- Fairhaven
SERVICES
- Dose and Duration (September- June): 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Full-Day (All year): 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM (currently)
*Full day will return to 7 AM - 5 PM once ratios are restored
This website is supported by Grant Number 01CH011836 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.