Head Start: An essential program in the Kansas City region

For generations, Head Start has helped children begin school ready to learn while allowing families to work toward their own goals. Today, Head Start alumni are educators, business owners, health professionals, public servants, parents and community leaders.

The MARC Head Start mission is to improve the well-being of more than 2,400 infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families in Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri. MARC accomplishes this by advancing young children’s development and learning through effective program administration, community collaboration and family engagement. 

“Head Start and Early Head Start are essential to our children and their families,” said Kasey Lawson, MARC Head Start program director. “Our programs also rely on input from parents and community members to ensure services meet their needs and are effective.”

In addition, MARC provides leadership and coordination to build a robust early learning system with strong families, skilled teachers, quality programs, supportive communities, sustained and sufficient funding, and multi-sector collaboration. Children receive high-quality early learning and care that encourages learning through play and physical activity. Programs also provide healthy meals and snacks, as well as medical, dental, hearing, vision and behavioral health screenings. 

Last year, MARC Head Start expanded health and wellness initiatives, supported Medicaid renewals, connected families with mobile health services and community resources, and strengthened parent engagement through leadership opportunities.