About
SCCAP Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded, family-centered early childhood development programs that provide free, high-quality early learning in a healthy, safe environment with smaller classroom sizes. The programs include fun, high quality early learning education, family support and engagement, social and emotional development, and kindergarten readiness. Children with special needs are welcomed and have learning supports available, and Head Start does not require children to be potty trained.
• Ages: 0–4 years old
• Schedule: Full-time, year-round programs with Head Start and Early Head Start classroom options between 8:30am and 3:30pm
• Price: Head Start and Early Head Start are free of charge; the Extended Day program for Head Start aged children uses an income-based sliding fee scale that can be covered by vouchers or self-pay
Head Start serves children who are 3 years old by August 1 and not yet 5 by August 2, and Early Head Start serves children from 6 weeks old up to age 3. Programs are primarily based on federal poverty income guidelines, though some exceptions are made. These are full-time programs and families are supported to maintain regular attendance, and there is typically a waitlist, with families needing to re-apply the following school year if a child does not get a spot.
Head Start staff work with children to build brain connections and self-confidence necessary for success in kindergarten and beyond, and children who attend Head Start are more likely to have healthy eating patterns, complete high school, and enroll in and complete college. The program provides dental, health, and mental health services and referrals, as well as healthy eating based on current nutritional best practices. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided, outside food is not permitted, and diapers or pullups are provided while children are at school.
Head Start includes parents in major program decision-making and works with parents on economic self-reliance through goal-setting, parenting support, and resource referrals. Parents are always welcome to volunteer in the classroom. Application requirements include the child’s birth certificate, medical insurance card, documentation for SNAP, SSI, or TANF, and income for the last 12 months if the family is not on SNAP, SSI, or TANF, as well as a foster care statement if applicable. Immunization records or waivers, a physical within 30 days, and a dental exam within 90 days of enrollment are required.
Assistant teachers must have a CDA Credential, and lead teachers must have an Associate or more advanced degree in Early Childhood Education. All SCCAP services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.
South Central Community Action Program is a nonprofit organization that has served low-income people for more than 55 years. Its mission is to provide opportunities for low-income individuals and families to achieve personal and economic independence. South Central Community Action Program serves more than 4,000 families annually, representing more than 9,000 individuals in Brown, Monroe, Morgan, and Owen counties. TC's Talking About Change Advisory Group received the Be More Impactful Award from the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, and the City of Bloomington and SCCAP partnered to distribute $1M from the Economic Equity Fund to address medical debt, childcare expenses, certain housing expenses, and menstrual equity. First Financial Bank granted $13,000 to SCCAP to support Sustainable Employment and transportation initiatives.
The leadership team includes Eddy Riou (Executive Director), John Vargo (Fiscal Controller), Ronetta Poellnitz (Human Resources Manager), Laura Buck (Director of Programming), Jessie Yeary (Director of Communications and Advocacy), Kaley Smith (Covering Kids & Families Program Manager), Julie Wilson (Energy Assistance Program Manager), Errin Logsdon (Growing Opportunities Manager), Stacey Edwards (Director, Head Start & Early Head Start), Jennifer Jenkins (Housing Choice Program Manager), Steve Kramer (Weatherization Manager), and Cherly Ann Heald (Housing Program Assistant).
Last updated May 15, 2026.
• Ages: 0–4 years old
• Schedule: Full-time, year-round programs with Head Start and Early Head Start classroom options between 8:30am and 3:30pm
• Price: Head Start and Early Head Start are free of charge; the Extended Day program for Head Start aged children uses an income-based sliding fee scale that can be covered by vouchers or self-pay
Head Start serves children who are 3 years old by August 1 and not yet 5 by August 2, and Early Head Start serves children from 6 weeks old up to age 3. Programs are primarily based on federal poverty income guidelines, though some exceptions are made. These are full-time programs and families are supported to maintain regular attendance, and there is typically a waitlist, with families needing to re-apply the following school year if a child does not get a spot.
Head Start staff work with children to build brain connections and self-confidence necessary for success in kindergarten and beyond, and children who attend Head Start are more likely to have healthy eating patterns, complete high school, and enroll in and complete college. The program provides dental, health, and mental health services and referrals, as well as healthy eating based on current nutritional best practices. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided, outside food is not permitted, and diapers or pullups are provided while children are at school.
Head Start includes parents in major program decision-making and works with parents on economic self-reliance through goal-setting, parenting support, and resource referrals. Parents are always welcome to volunteer in the classroom. Application requirements include the child’s birth certificate, medical insurance card, documentation for SNAP, SSI, or TANF, and income for the last 12 months if the family is not on SNAP, SSI, or TANF, as well as a foster care statement if applicable. Immunization records or waivers, a physical within 30 days, and a dental exam within 90 days of enrollment are required.
Assistant teachers must have a CDA Credential, and lead teachers must have an Associate or more advanced degree in Early Childhood Education. All SCCAP services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.
South Central Community Action Program is a nonprofit organization that has served low-income people for more than 55 years. Its mission is to provide opportunities for low-income individuals and families to achieve personal and economic independence. South Central Community Action Program serves more than 4,000 families annually, representing more than 9,000 individuals in Brown, Monroe, Morgan, and Owen counties. TC's Talking About Change Advisory Group received the Be More Impactful Award from the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, and the City of Bloomington and SCCAP partnered to distribute $1M from the Economic Equity Fund to address medical debt, childcare expenses, certain housing expenses, and menstrual equity. First Financial Bank granted $13,000 to SCCAP to support Sustainable Employment and transportation initiatives.
The leadership team includes Eddy Riou (Executive Director), John Vargo (Fiscal Controller), Ronetta Poellnitz (Human Resources Manager), Laura Buck (Director of Programming), Jessie Yeary (Director of Communications and Advocacy), Kaley Smith (Covering Kids & Families Program Manager), Julie Wilson (Energy Assistance Program Manager), Errin Logsdon (Growing Opportunities Manager), Stacey Edwards (Director, Head Start & Early Head Start), Jennifer Jenkins (Housing Choice Program Manager), Steve Kramer (Weatherization Manager), and Cherly Ann Heald (Housing Program Assistant).
Last updated May 15, 2026.
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