Early Head Start & Head Start
Nurturing early development, supporting families, and creating strong foundations for lifelong learning across Southeast Missouri.
Building Strong Foundations for Children & Families
In 1994, the Office of Head Start added Early Head Start to the programs of president Johnson 1964 War on Poverty efforts. DAEOC was awarded funding to begin Early head Start Services in several Bootheel communities in 2009.
Which Program is Right for Your Family?
We offer flexible options tailored to your child's developmental stage and your family's daily schedule. Compare our programs below to find the best fit.
| Program Option | Target Age | Schedule & Format | Locations | Key Highlights | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Head Start Preschool
Center-Based
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Ages 3–5 |
Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm |
Bernie, Caruthersville, Chaffee, Charleston, East Prairie, Hayti, Kennett, Malden, New Madrid, Portageville, Sikeston, Steele |
|
Enroll Now |
|
Early Head Start
Center-Based
|
Birth–3 |
Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm |
Caruthersville, Charleston, Kennett, Sikeston |
|
Enroll Now |
|
Early Head Start
Home-Based
|
Birth–3 & Expecting Mothers |
Weekly Visits 90-min home visits + bi-weekly playgroups |
All 6 Counties: Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott & Stoddard |
|
Enroll Now |
DAEOC Children Services Locations
Search by city or filter by county to find early learning centers and contact details across Southeast Missouri.
Caruthersville Head Start
710 E. 18th St, Caruthersville, MO 63830
County: Pemiscot
Phone: (573) 333-4536
Chaffee Head Start
611 North Main, Chaffee, MO 63740
County: Scott
Phone: (573) 887-6220
Phone: (573) 887-8936
Charleston Head Start
711 E. Commercial St., Charleston, MO 63834
County: Mississippi
Phone: (573) 683-4300
Dexter Head Start
1124 North Outer Road, Dexter, MO 63841
County: Stoddard
Phone: (573) 624-8876
Phone: (573) 624-8463
Kennett Head Start
1100 Homecrest, Kennett, MO 63857
County: Dunklin
Phone: (573) 888-4096
Phone: (573) 888-0200
Malden Head Start
507 Arnold Avenue, Malden, MO 63863
County: Dunklin
Phone: (573) 276-3678
Phone: (573) 276-2809
Portageville Head Start
77 Skyview Road, Portageville, MO 63873
County: New Madrid
Phone: (573) 379-5419
Puxico Head Start
150 South Hickman, Puxico, MO 63960
County: Stoddard
Phone: (573) 222-2434
Sikeston Head Start
115 S. West Street, Sikeston, MO 63801
County: Scott
Phone: (573) 471-8320
Phone: (573) 471-8124
Steele Head Start
509 East Main Street, Steele, MO 63877
County: Pemiscot
Phone: (573) 695-2394
Kennett Early Head Start
918 Compress Road, Kennett, MO 63857
County: Dunklin
Phone: (573) 717-1193
Sikeston Early Head Start
123 Arthur St., Sikeston, MO 63801
County: Scott
Phone: (573) 472-6333
Hayti Early Learning Center
310 S Pemiscot St., Hayti, MO 63851
County: Pemiscot
Phone: (573) 359-6400
New Madrid Early Learning Center
801 North Main Street, New Madrid, MO 63869
County: New Madrid
Phone: (573) 748-7932
Senath Early Learning Center
206 East Hornbeck St, Senath, MO 63876
County: Dunklin
Phone: (573) 738-2356
Early Head Start Home Base
114 N. Lincoln, East Prairie, MO 63851
County: Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott & Stoddard
Phone: (573) 481-4307
Our Classrooms In Action
Ready to Enroll Your Child?
Give your child a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Start your application today or learn more about our programs across Southeast Missouri.
Other Helpful Information
Explore state and national early childhood education organizations and official Head Start partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about enrollment, eligibility, daily schedules, and family guidelines.
Where can I view the Family Handbook?
Our Family Handbook covers program policies, attendance expectations, health guidelines, and parent rights. You can access and download the current edition below:
How much does it cost to enroll in Early Head Start or Head Start?
[[[Intert Text]]]
What ages do your programs serve?
Early Head Start serves pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers up to age 3. Head Start serves preschool children ages 3 to 5 (until they transition to kindergarten). We also offer Home-Based options across our six-county service region which serves pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers up to age 3.
What documents do I need to apply?
[[[confirm]]] To complete your child's enrollment application, you will typically need:
- Proof of child's age (Birth Certificate or Medicaid card)
- Proof of family income (W-2, tax return, pay stubs, or benefit award letters)
- Immunization records
- Up-to-date physical and dental examination records
Are meals and snacks provided for my child?
Yes! Healthy meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack) are provided every day at no cost to families through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We practice family-style dining to encourage social development and healthy eating habits.
Do you accept children with special needs or disabilities?
Yes, we warmly welcome and support children of all abilities in our programs.
Visit or Contact Us
Have questions about enrollment, eligibility, or program services? Reach out directly or visit our Head Start Administrative Office in Sikeston.
Head Start Administrative Office
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Office Address
104 E Center St
Sikeston, MO 63801 -
Phone
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Fax
(573) 481-4344
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Hours
Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM