Child Start Early Childhood Programs (Early Head Start, Head Start, Child Care Partnerships, State Preschool, General Child Care, Raising A Reader)

Child Start Early Childhood Programs (Early Head Start, Head Start, Child Care Partnerships, State Preschool, General Child Care, Raising A Reader) offers early childhood education and family support services through several coordinated programs. The programs include Head Start Preschool, Early Head Start, Child Care Partnerships, State Preschool, General Child Care, and the Raising A Reader program, as well as the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) parenting education program.

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 7:30AM–4:00PM

Child Start supports the education, social and emotional development of children, ages 0–5, by providing high quality, comprehensive and family-focused early childhood services in partnership with the community. Child Start provides school readiness and family support services to approximately 1,000 children across Napa and Solano Counties in its Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Care Partnerships, State Preschool and General Child Care programs. Early Head Start infants and toddlers are served through a combination of center-based and home-based program options, and Head Start Preschool is offered in a center-based setting. Child Care Partnerships serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers through a variety of contracted family child care homes and private child care centers. State Preschool (CSPP) preschoolers are served through a wrap-around model with Head Start services, and General Child Care (CCTR) infants and toddlers are served through a center-based wrap-around model with Early Head Start services. The Raising A Reader program promotes reading and sharing books with children from infancy through age five, and Child Start is the administrator for this national program. Child Start has implemented the Triple P parenting education program, which provides parents with a toolbox to become more confident and effective parents.

Child Start has been providing early childhood education and family development services to approximately 1,000 children annually since 1965. Child Start has been recognized as an early childhood education leader throughout Napa and Solano Counties. In 2001, Child Start became the third agency in California to administer the Raising A Reader program, and in 2016, it became one of the first agencies in the country to be funded for Early Head Start–Child Care Partnerships. Child Start has spearheaded several initiatives to benefit and improve the overall wellbeing of children and families. The leadership team includes Juan Cisneros, Executive Director; Susan Smith, Deputy Director; Esmeralda Salinas, Employment Opportunities; Amanda Maguire, Verification of Employment; and April, Program Operations Director for Child Care Partnerships.

Child Start works hand-in-hand with community services to uplift low-income families. Through funding from the Napa Valley Community Foundation and the First 5 Commission of Napa County, as well as support from the Napa County Office of Education, Child Start became the third agency in California to join the national Raising A Reader program. Child Start deeply values the support of its community partners and benefactors in helping achieve its mission.

Parents and alumni describe their experiences with the programs in several ways. One Head Start alumni shared that being around many friends and Maestra Irene made a big impact in her life. A Head Start parent stated that Child Start has been a blessing for their family and that their daughter is now excited to start kindergarten because of the nurturing environment in the Head Start program. An Early Head Start parent shared that the Early Head Start Home Visiting program guided them as a first-time parent and that their son has grown a lot while they gained tools to support his success.

Last updated May 14, 2026.