Head Start

“The greatest invention in the world is the mind of a child.” -Thomas Edison

Head Start Program Ripon

Head Start Program

Giving every child an opportunity to succeed.

The Head Start program promotes the school readiness of children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.  Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children's growth through language and literacy, general knowledge, physical development and health, as well as social and emotional development.

ELIGIBILITY: Eligibility is based on many different factors and will be discussed during the enrollment meeting.

Application Process for the Head Start Program:
  • Schedule an enrollment meeting with Lorri Bohn 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 with you during your enrollment meeting.
  • During  your enrollment meeting, Lorri will help you understand the requirements for enrolling your child and answer any questions you may have. 
How to Contact ADVOCAP for assistance applying for the Head Start Program:
  • Contact Jenny Dehn, Family Engagement Manager, to schedule an enrollment meeting.
  • Phone: 920-922-7760
  • Email: jenny.dehn@advocap.org
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
ADVOCAP Head Start Graduation
Center Based Head Start

Services are provided to 3 and 4 year old children in a classroom setting. Children attend classes in centers 1/2 day, 4 days a week.  Transportation is provided to and from school for most of the service area with some exceptions.  Children receive at least 2 meals each day.  Each classroom is staffed with a teacher and an assistant teacher.

4 Year Old Kindergarten

ADVOCAP Head Start partners with the school districts of Fond du Lac, North Fond du Lac, Ripon and Berlin to provide four year old kindergarten (4K) programming at the Head Start Centers.  Children receive 4K services  and Head Start services for a full day program, 4 days a week,  all at the same  location.

Parent Engagement:
  • Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher. Parent and family engagement in Head Start is about building relationships with families that support:
  • Families as learners and lifelong educators
  • Family engagement in transitions
  • Family connections to peers and community
  • Families as advocates and leaders
Community Resources:
  • Successful partnerships within the community bring together the resources of all agencies and programs to best meet child and family needs.  Families are provided with a resource directory to guide them in securing community resources
Volunteer Opportunities:
  • Head Start uses volunteers to the fullest extent possible.  Special efforts are made to have volunteer participation, especially parents, in the classroom, in program governance and in program assessment.
ADVOCAP Head Start Program
ADVOCAP Services

YOUR ACTION NEEDED!

In November 2023, the Office of Head Start released the biggest set of changes to Head Start in the last decade. To be direct, the changes the rule proposes threaten the existence of Head Start in many communities and must be reconsidered. And we need to speak up to amend the proposal.

For the next 4 weeks, we are asking for the entire Head Start and Early Head Start community to mobilize our best advocates: our parents and caregivers!

Our goal is to get more than 50 thousand Head Start parents/
caregivers to sign the open letter
to  the Biden administration.

You can read and sign the 
“Families Want a Strong Head Start” letter here

Deadline: Sunday, May 12, 11:59PM

ENROLLMENT EVENT

Family Movie Day!

Will your 3- or 4-year-old be diving into Preschool this year?

ADVOCAP Head Start is thrilled to offer all NEW Enrolling Families an afternoon filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable moments.

WHERE:
Horace Mann High School
Performing Arts Center
325 McKinley Street
North Fond du Lac, WI

WHEN:
Saturday, April 27th, 2024
1:00 PM Enrollment 
2:00 PM Movie

Check out event flyer here for more information.

Has your scheduled changed?
If you are currently searching for an immediate preschool opening give Head Start a call! The best time to learn is NOW!

Head Start Enrollment

ADVOCAP is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year!

Program Options:
  • 1/2 DAY PROGRAM: 3 and 4 -year-olds, Monday - Thursday, AM or PM session
  • FULL DAY PROGRAM: 4K in collaboration local school districts where available.
  • NEW THIS YEAR: Full Day 3K available in select locations
  • Children must be 3 or 4 years old and a resident of Fond du Lac or Green Lake County
Contact ADVOCAP today to find out more:
  • Contact Jenny Dehn, Family Engagement Manager, to schedule an enrollment meeting.
  • Phone: 920-922-7760
  • Email: jenny.dehn@advocap.org
Service Partners