The Center for Preschool and Family Learning Head Start (CPFLHS) is a federally funded Early Childhood program that offers comprehensive services to low income children and families. Our program is located in Washington Heights. We have three (3) sites: 1854 Amsterdam Avenue and 529 – 531 West 155th Street. All facilities are licensed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) and have the appropriate safety, developmental equipment, materials and follow designated procedures mandated by federal guidelines. The program runs year-round and operates Monday through Friday. Our site at 1854 Amsterdam offers full day (8 am to 6 pm) and our sites at 529 – 531 West 155th Street offers both full day and half day (Full day - 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, half day – 8:30 am to 11:30 and1:00 pm to 4:00 pm).

The services provided are categorized into three major content areas: Education and Early Childhood Development, Child Health and Safety and Family and Community Partnerships. We ensure that each child is provided with a comprehensive health care program including medical, dental, nutritional, developmental and mental health. As a result of the child nutrition services that are provided, families are assisted in meeting their child’s nutritional needs and in establishing good eating habits that nurture healthy development and promote lifelong well-being. Growth screenings are conducted to assess each child’s nutritional status and growth pattern. Children are served breakfast, lunch and snack. All meals are CACFP approved and meet Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines. Health and Safety concepts are incorporated into the curriculum.

CPFLHS staff advocates for families both to improve social conditions and in helping with immediate needs. This service area serves to ensure that every family gets all the information, access to community services and benefits in the community. The staff works with families individually and helps to link them to the services provided in the community.

Head Start provides opportunities for both parents and staff to improve job performance and career development. The CPFLHS provides 10% of its enrollment opportunities to children with disabilities. Staff actively recruits families who are in need of special services and offers them an integrated developmentally appropriate program. Additionally, staff collaborates with other community agencies that assist children with disabilities to ensure that children are identified and provided a full range of services to meet their individual needs.

Our educational program is designed to meet each child’s individual needs within the context of his/her culture and community. Our children receive a variety of learning experiences which fosters intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth. Children participate in indoor and outdoor activities and are introduced to new skills and concepts through play. They are encouraged to express their feelings in appropriate ways, to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and to learn how to get along with others.
Management ensures the program is providing quality services to children and families, is financially sound, meets all state and federal regulations and supervises program staff.
For more information or to enroll your child, please call Janice Grey at 212-926-8264