Head Start was created as part of President  Lyndon Johnson’s ‘War on Poverty’ agenda to help children from disadvantaged families become as school ready as their more affluent peers.  The program is administered by the Office of Head Start which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, D.C.

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. (CACS) began providing Head Start services in 1965 with an 8 week summer program for preschool children (ages 3 – 5 years).  Today, the Head Start program provides school year and full year programming options.  In 2000, CACS added Early Head Start services for infants and toddlers (ages birth – 3 years) and pregnant mothers. 

Currently, CACS serves 1,617 children in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee counties, employs approximately 300 people, and has an operating budget of over $12,000,000.

Funding for the preschool programs operated by Capital Area Community Services is provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.