Supporting families in Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties
ADVOCAP’s Head Start preschool program supports children ages 3 and 4 from low-income families through early education, family development, and community connections — at no cost to eligible families. Head Start helps children build the social, cognitive, and physical foundations they need to enter kindergarten ready to learn.
ADVOCAP Head Start is available in two settings, depending on where you live. Both offer the same core support; the difference is where learning happens.
Apply today!
ADVOCAP is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year!
Program options:
Preschool program for 3- and 4-year-old children
Children must be residents of Fond du Lac or Green Lake County
Center-based or home-based formats available depending on location
Contact ADVOCAP to learn more:
¿habla español?
ADVOCAP Head Start Program Locations:
Sacred Heart Center
678 Western Ave
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-922-2677
North Fond du Lac Early Learning Center
923 Minnesota Avenue
North Fond du Lac, WI 54937
920-929-3762
Prairie View Head Start Center
W911 Highway 44
Markesan, WI 53946
920-398-3907
Ripon Children’s Learning Center
400 W Oshkosh St
Ripon, WI 54971
920-748-9500
Interested in a career in childcare?
Forward Services has an offer for anyone passionate about a career in early childcare and education. Get support with tuition, books, transportation, and more.
Fond du Lac and Surrounding Areas: Center-Based Learning
ADVOCAP offers center-based preschool in the City of Fond du Lac, North Fond du Lac, Ripon, and surrounding areas. Children attend a structured classroom four days a week led by a teacher and teacher assistant.
Program Details:
- Four days per week
- Full-day and half-day options depending on location
- Low student-to-teacher ratio
- Nutritious meals and snack provided
What children work on:
- Language, reading, and school readiness skills
- Cognitive development and general knowledge
- Social-emotional growth, and health and wellness
4-year-old Kindergarten (4K)
In partnership with participating school districts, center-based ADVOCAP Head Start also offers 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) programming in Fond du Lac and North Fond du Lac. This full-day option combines 4K and Head Start at the same location, four days a week.
Green Lake County & Rural Fond du Lac County: Home-Based Learning*
A home-based program model is in development for families in rural Fond du Lac County and Green Lake County. This format brings Head Start programming directly to your home and supports you as your child’s first teacher. *The home-based format is pending approval from the Office of Head Start. Families who join the interest list will be contacted by our staff about next steps.
What families can expect:
- Weekly 90-minute home visits with a Head Start teacher
- Regular visits with a Family Development Specialist
- Hands-on learning activities tailored to your child
- Support with child development, behavior, and school readiness
- Bi-monthly socialization opportunities to connect with other families in the program
This might be a good fit if you:
- Prefer learning in the home environment
- Have transportation challenges
- Want more one-on-one support
- Have a flexible daytime schedule
Application Process
Program Eligibility
Eligibility is based on factors including child age, county of residence, and other qualifying criteria such as household income. Details will be discussed and reviewed during your initial meeting with our staff.
Application Process for the Head Start Program:
Schedule an enrollment meeting with our staff at the ADVOCAP Fond du Lac Office.
A printable application is available if you wish to complete your application prior to your meeting, or we will go over the application during your enrollment meeting.
>Download printable application here
>Download fillable PDF application here
During your enrollment meeting, staff will help you understand the requirements for enrolling your child and answer any questions.
Contact ADVOCAP to apply for Head Start:
¿habla español?
Magaly Bivian, Especialista bilingüe en desarrollo familiar
920-420-4703
magaly.bivian@advocap.org
About ADVOCAP Head Start
Partnership with families & parent engagement
ADVOCAP believes the best outcomes for children happen when families and educators work together. You know your child best – our staff works alongside you to build a plan that fits your family’s needs.
Head Start recognizes parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. Family engagement is built into everything we do, including:
- supporting families as learners and lifelong educators
- helping families through transitions
- connecting families to peers and community
- supporting parents as advocates and leaders
Community connections
Families receive a community resource directory to help connect with local agencies and programs. Partnerships with community organizations help us better meet the needs of children and families.
Volunteer opportunities
Head Start welcomes volunteers – especially parents – in the classroom, in program governance, and in program assessment.