Head Start transforms more than early education—it fuels the workforce
With 11,670 employees across 860 centers in 63 counties, Head Start is a powerhouse driving Florida’s workforce and economic success.
Head Start Drives Measurable Academic Gains
Head Start children are 2.7% more likely to finish high school, 8.5% more likely to enroll in college, and 39% more likely to finish college.
Head Start graduates were more self-sufficient, less likely to live in poverty as adults, less likely to receive public assistance, and less likely to be arrested or charged with a crime. They are also more likely to be healthier, reducing health costs.
Source: Chor E. (2018) Multigenerational Head Start Participation: An Unexpected Marker of Progress. Child Dev.
Head Start: Transforming $1 into $9 for Florida Families
Head Start empowers families with work opportunities, education, and childcare while strengthening communities through federal investment and local decision-making.
In Florida alone, Head Start's $544.9 million federal investment yields a remarkable $7-9 return on every dollar, generating $3.8 - 4.9 billion annually across the state.
Watch our brief video to discover how this program is a smart investment and strengthens communities.
Source: Ludwig & Phillips (2007), Deming (2009), Florida Head Start Association Annual Report (2022-2023)
Head Start transforms more than early education—it a lifeline for children and families
Head Start transforms communities by preparing our most vulnerable children for success while enabling parents to contribute to our economy. The proof is in the numbers:
- 68% of Head Start families actively participate in the workforce or pursue education
- 45,000+ children (including 15,000 infants and toddlers) received services this year
- 3,758 children successfully transitioned to kindergarten last year, ready to learn
Watch our brief video to see how this cost-effective program creates self-reliant families and strengthens our future workforce.
Source: Program Information Report (PIR) 2024
Head Start transforms more than early education—it transforms families
Serving 41,587 families across 860 centers in 64 counties, Head Start believes strongly that parents are their children’s first and most important teachers, and programs engage parents as partners in their children’s learning and development.
Fathers of Head Start children were more engaged in their children's education compared to those whose children were not enrolled in Head Start. Research from The Head Start Advantage: Success in Parent Advancement shows that fifth graders who have positive relationships with their fathers or father figures tend to score higher on key academic performance indicators.
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