Kai Ming Head Start

Kai Ming Head Start offers education, play, and inquiry activities that include speaking and listening (language), early reading, early writing, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and technology. The program also includes weekly home visits and bi-weekly center-based socialization as part of its services for families.

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Schedule: Program sites operate Monday–Friday, generally between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm
• Price: Our services are free or low cost for eligible families.

Kai Ming Head Start is a non-profit established in 1975, and Preschool Kai Ming Head Start has provided culturally relevant, family-centered, interest-based education for children ages 3 to 5 for more than four decades. The program’s mission is to strengthen the community through nurturing children, supporting families, and promoting professional growth of staff. Teachers are experienced, certified educators with A.A., B.A., or M.A. degrees in early childhood education and valid California teaching permits, and staff diversity reflects the languages that students speak at home.

The program uses a research-based curriculum that promotes learning in all developmental areas and is drawn from current child development science, the interests and ideas of the children, family input, and the values of the community. The curriculum aligns with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and California early care and education standards, uses The Creative Curriculum and The Project Approach, and supports dual language learning. Kai Ming Head Start uses the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) and Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS) annually and maintains low teacher-child ratios, described as an optimal teacher-child ratio.

Kai Ming Head Start offers prenatal and home-based services for children 0–36 months with weekly home visits and bi-weekly center-based socialization, infant and toddler care for children 3–36 months, and preschool for children 3–5 years with a culturally responsive, family-centered, child interest–led curriculum. Dual language learning at the program enhances literacy and cultural awareness, Creative Curriculum provides hands-on, interest-based learning, and the Project Approach nurtures curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Character education at the program promotes respect, kindness, and emotional growth.

The program provides comprehensive services that support early learning, health, and family well-being, including child health screenings and referral services. It accommodates children with special needs, developmental delays, behavioral and mental health issues. Each center has a Family Advocate who supports family needs such as housing, health, educational, parenting, mental health, and community resources, and each staff member has an annual professional development plan.

Kai Ming Head Start offers nutritious meals and snacks for children at school through participation in the California Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP), with a multicultural menu and accommodations for food allergies. Parent engagement includes Parent Committees for involvement in program decision-making, community events, policy council participation, and educational workshops guided by family interest and needs. Kai Ming partners with community agencies such as Golden Gate Resource Center (GGRC), SFUSD, SFSU Nursing Program, RAMs for mental health consultation, Magic toothbrush, and other agencies, and parents may share information about community activities and events to serve as a link between the program and the community. The program states that its value is to care for each child as its own and to treat each other with respect, kindness, and truthfulness.

Last updated June 18, 2026.