North Carolina Head Start Association

NC Head Start Collaboration Office

North Carolina Head Start Association in Collaboration with NC Head Start collaboration Office

Head Start is a federally funded, comprehensive preschool program designed to meet the emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of children aged 3 to 5 and their families. Head Start helps develop social competencies in children and promotes self-sufficiency through a comprehensive The Office of Early Learning houses the NC Head Start State Collaboration Office (NC HSSCO) through a grant from the federal Office of Head Start, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Head Start supports collaboration through grants to states to create a visible partnership at the state level to support the development of multi-agency and public/private partnerships that will enhance early childhood services for children and families. Collaboration of Head Start programs with the state-funded pre-kindergarten program is one of the highest priorities of the Head Start State Collaboration Office. Despite its federal-to-local program structure, Head Start recognizes that the states play an important role in the formulation and implementation of policies and initiatives that affect low income children and their families.

Macy Jones
Head Start Collaboration Coordinator
Office of Early Learning
Division of Standards, Accountability, and Research
NC Department of Public Instruction
[email protected]

North Carolina Head Start Clusters

Cluster A

NCHSA organizes and assists with several professional development events throughout the year, such as the Annual Training Conference, New Directors Orientation, Director’s Caucus meetings and special Cluster training events. 

Cluster B

Members enjoy the opportunity to network at collaborative events held in partnership with, partner agencies, social service and early childhood organizations.

Cluster C

We are building our capacity to serve as a one-stop resource both for NC Head Start programs and for parents, community partners, collaborative partners, elected officials and anyone with an interest in Head Start Association.

Cluster E

NCHSA supports members in researching issues and questions, and provides referrals and information as appropriate.