It is a Federal program for income eligible children ages 0-5 years. Head Start helps prepare children to succeed in school. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. The Head Start program is operated by local non-profit organizations in almost every county in the United States.
The Douglas Cherokee Economic Authority Head Start Program was organized by Rose Hill in 1965. Our program serves 888 participants in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union.