KCAO Head Start and Early Childhood Education Programs

KCAO Head Start and Early Childhood Education Programs include Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships, the California State Preschool Program, and General Child Care and Development. These programs offer educational services, dental and health screening, and healthy meals for enrolled children, including children with disabilities. KCAO Head Start free programs are for children 0–5 years old and prenatal women.

• Ages: 0–5 years old

Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO), which operates these programs, is a private, non-profit organization and the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Kings County. KCAO’s Head Start is a comprehensive early education program for children from at-risk backgrounds from birth to age 5 and delivers services in early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners. All Head Start program options welcome children with disabilities. Early Head Start is a 12-month home-based program that provides family-centered services to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, and Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships increases access to high-quality, full-day, full-year child care, including family child care, for parents who are working or going to school. Migrant and Seasonal Head Start provides all-day services for children ages 0–5 years when at least 51% of the family’s total income is from agricultural work. Regional Head Start is a center-based program that follows the normal school year for children 3–5 years of age. The California State Preschool Program (CSPP) offers part-day and full-day services and a blended option that combines Head Start and CSPP for 3- and 4-year-olds, while General Child Care and Development (CCTR) provides center-based child development services for infants and toddlers from birth through 36 months. KCAO is transitioning to a more efficient online application process for Head Start and Child Care programs.

Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO) was established in 1965 pursuant to the Economic Opportunities Act of 1964. The organization’s mission is: “Working as a team, KCAO will seek and provide programs that develop self-sufficiency in individuals, families, and communities within Kings County.” The Executive Director is Jeff Garner. KCAO’s Head Start and Early Childhood Education Programs are supported by Grant Number 09CH012781 and 90CM009870 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

KCAO’s community involvement related to these programs includes celebrating Reading Across America Week by inviting staff and community volunteers into classrooms to read to preschool children. The Community Action Plan that guides KCAO’s work was developed through public forums, surveys, and U.S. Census data, with strong partnerships with local nonprofit and government agencies. The Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative (CVIIC) will host an immigration workshop at the KCAO Auditorium, and KCAO holds an annual Monte Carlo–themed fundraiser that brings together local leaders, business partners, community advocates, and supporters.

Last updated May 13, 2026.