Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission Head Start and Early Head Start

Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission Head Start and Early Head Start offers a Head Start Program with free, developmentally appropriate preschool and early education and socialization in licensed child care facilities with a 5 star Step UP to quality rating. It also offers Early Head Start, an intensive child development and family support program with a center-based option in Bucyrus, Marion, Mt. Gilead, and Mansfield.

Programs

• Head Start Program — Typically serves 3-5 year old children; program is for low-income children ages birth to five years old · Full-day and half-day programs · Free, developmentally appropriate preschool and early education and socialization program. Services are offered in licensed child care facilities with a 5 star Step UP to quality rating.
• Early Head Start (EHS) — From pregnancy until a child's third birthday; low-income babies, toddlers, and their families; pregnant women and their families · Full-day, year-round program · Intensive child development and family support services. Center-based option is accessible in Bucyrus, Marion, Mt. Gilead, and Mansfield.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Facility hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm; Sat-Sun closed

About the provider

Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission has been in operation since November 16, 1965. It serves Crawford, Marion, Morrow, and Richland counties. Its mission is helping low-income people in central Ohio and helping low-income persons break the cycle of poverty and better their economic situation.

Children on IEPs, IFSPs and in kinship/foster care are not subject to income guidelines. Children receive a nutritious, balanced, USDA approved breakfast, lunch and snack that meets at least 1/3 of their daily nutritional need. Early Head Start infants are provided formula or parents may provide breast milk.

Last updated October 17, 2026.