What is the difference in Head Start and Pre-K?

Question

Which one would you send your child too if you had a choice???

Answer 1

If I have a choice, it would mean that I could afford Pre-K.  I would choose Pre-K.

Head Start is found in areas that don't have comprehensive public preschool (which many areas begin to have).  It's purpose is to serve those kids that are "at - risk" for starting Kindergarten unprepared.  The assumption is that lower-income students statistically are less academically prepared, and HS strives to close that gap.

If I qualified for Head Start - I'd strongly consider it - but I would first have to visit the school and make sure that it was the right fit for my child.

I do know parents that have had problems with Head Start because of the other kids in it.  No complaints about the teachers and program, but a lot about the behavior of the other kids.

Answer 2

Head Start is income based - Pre K normally has a tuition.  Developmental preschool can be free is your child qualifies.

Answer 3

Well if it is something that you qualify for I would pick Headstart. I worked in both programs in the past and most Headstart Teacher either have their BA or working towards it and most of the time have more schooling and experience under their belt. PreK programs usually will have Teachers that have just begun their journey and only 12 units of Child Development.

I would check out both and then make your decision.

Answer 4

I just wanted to say that Amber is right.  I am a Pre-K teacher.

Answer 5

the diffident is the head start there  is one teacher for  12-15 child and the other one teacher for 8 child

Answer 6

Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for children from low income families or with other qualifiers such as a disabled parent.The exact design of each program is different because there is some local control. Some are part day, some full, some also include Day Care. They must meet certain educational guidelines but can do it in many ways using many different curricula. Pre-K is the generic name for an educational program for kids the year before they go to Kindergarten. Some public schools have them , many are in private early childhood programs. The ones in the public schools are usually income based, although some open some slots for kids without regard to to income through something like a lottery. To make it even more confusing, some states will fund Pre-K spots in public schools and in private preschools or Day Cares, or even in Head Start. In NY, where I live, the money goes from the State to the school districts that want to participate and they in turn must use 10% of the money to fund slots in community based programs.

     Only you know what is best for your child. Look at a variety of programs, ask questions about staff qualifications, program and philosophy as well as practical matters such as transportation and hours, then decide what is the best fit for you and your child.

Answer 7

I wish i knew so i could have gotten best answer but i dont pretty much what i siad is better the huh? of what? or i dont know way beter sorry i wish i could have done something to help you  :(

Answer 8

head start program is a free program for children 2,3,4 years of age and it start from 8-3 and children can be picked up by a school bus and dropped off. vpk on the other hand is a free program for the 4 year old children and it start from 9-12 and you can choose any preschool to go to since almost every one is vpk certified but the head start you can go to the one that in your city.

Answer 9

Head Start is a federally funded program and is based mainly on low-income but also have other risk-factors as prequalifiers.  The lead teacher is required to have a bacherlor's degree with an early childhood (ZA) endorsement.  Head Start programs usually have a well-researched curriculum, such as the Creative Curriculum or High Scope, that they use.  

With a general Pre-K program there are usually no "guidelines" of who qualifies as long as they are of age.  The teacher is required to have a CDA or something similar (associate's in child development).  As for curriculum, some may use a well-researched curriculum, but many will have their "own" curriculum if they have one at all.

Hope that gives you a general idea.

Answer 10

I dont know