Migrant Head Start is a child development program serving farm worker children and their families in the Coachella and Imperial valleys (Riverside and Imperial counties) through family day care homes (FCCH) and center based services. The program is funded through a Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start Office federal grant and supplemented with Imperial County Children and Families First Commission funding. Migrant Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children of low income families through the provision of health, educational, transportation, nutritional, social and other services based on family needs assessments. Recruitment and enrollment of children with disabilities is a major priority.

Who We Serve

Children of migrant & seasonal workers
Ages six weeks through five years
Families traveling from one location to another in search of work in agriculture
Brawley, Calexico, El Centro & Mecca areas (FCCH services provided at all locations)

The term “Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program” means:

With respect to services for migrant farm workers, a Head Start program that serves families who are engaged in agricultural labor and who have changed in their residence from one geographical location to another in the preceding two year period; and
With respect to services for seasonal farm workers, a Head Start program that service families who are engaged primarily in seasonal agricultural labor and who have not changed their residence to another geographic location in the preceding two year period. (Head Start Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq. 10/27/98)

Program Goals

MHS’s overall goal is to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children of low income families through the provision of health, educational, transportation, nutritional, social, and other services based on family needs assessments. Recruitment and enrollment of children with disabilities is a major priority.

Ten percent of enrollment opportunities are set-aside for children with disabilities. In addition, up to ten percent of enrollment may be children from over-income families. The MHS includes strong community and parent involvement through the local Parent Committees, the MHS Advisory Board and the program-wide Policy Council, and many other community volunteers.

We encourage self-sufficiency, growth and independence for children and families within their communities. To maximize effectiveness, we foster innovative practices and collaboration as well as encourage acceptance and respect for diversity.

Mission Statement

RCOE Migrant Head Start in partnership with parents and community partners facilitates access to comprehensive services for eligible farmworker children and their families. We provide a foundation for early childhood education, parental awareness and training of child health, growth and development. And ensures an environment of responsive care giving that leads towards school-readiness.

Jose E. Martinez, Director
(760) 337-1555
emartinez@rcoe.us