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Why Tyler ISD Head Start?

We are a community-based resource that is dedicated to providing comprehensive, culturally sensitive early childhood development for low-income children and families, including children with significant disabilities.

12 Reasons Why You Should Apply

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10:1 Student to Staff Ratio

We make sure that your child is well taken care of.

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All Staff CPR & First Aid Certified

Safety is a priority. Things happen and our team is prepared if it does.

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1:1 Computer Devices

All students will have a touch screen Chromebook for classroom use.

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4-Year Degree & Certified Teachers

All Head Start teachers have a 4-year degree and are certified.

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Teacher Assistants Required to be CDA Certified

We make sure your child is surrounded by the best and most qualified staff.

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Free Health Screenings

We connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure children are receiving the care and attention they need.

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All School Supplies Included

We provide students all needed classroom supplies, no questions asked!

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Parent Training

We offer services to support family well-being and to achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security.

My Reading Academy My Math Academy

Two Research-Based Reading & Math Programs

My Math Academy and My Reading Academy are used in the classroom, at home, and during the summer.

Head Start Students Experience Significant Gains in Math and Reading Skills

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Teachers Have $2,000 / YR to Improve Classrooms

We understand that in order to learn well, teachers need support to make their classroom perfect for learning.

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Mental Health Professional

We provide a Behavior Specialist that consults with students, teachers, and families.

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All Meals Included at No Cost

Don't worry. We provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks free of charge.

Benefits of Our Program

Head Start is more than just pre-kindergarten. We offer so much more.

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Health/Nutrition

We offer comprehensive health and nutrition services. This includes a broad range of medical, dental, and dietary services with an emphasis on the early identification and treatment of health problems.

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Mental Health

Social-Emotional Development is a priority for Tyler ISD. Each child benefits from learning how to have positive relationships with others, as well as how to understand their feelings about the people in their lives and environment.

During the school year, the Behavior Specialist visits each classroom and completes at least two behavioral observations; one at the beginning of the school year, again in the second semester, and then as needed throughout the year.

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Education

Our Head Start classrooms provide high-quality early education and child development services to promote children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth for later success in school. The teacher will include developmentally appropriate learning experiences in language, literacy, social and emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development that are focused on achieving progress outlined in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the Texas Pre-Kindergarten Guidelines.

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Family/Community Engagement

Parents participate in leadership roles, including having a say in program operations. Not only that, but we also promote Family Engagement through monthly Parent Sessions, large family events, Policy Council meetings, and numerous volunteer opportunities. Our Head Start Program also partners with local community agencies to provide families with needed resources.

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Head Start Elementary Locations

Registration Information

***To help us efficiently enroll your child, we kindly ask that you wait until February 1st to follow the steps outlined below to avoid creating duplicate accounts.***

We advise interested families to begin the admissions process as early as possible, as classes quickly fill up.

Enrollment Requires Two Steps

Gather Documents

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS must be uploaded during the Online Registration Process. Please be sure to use CLEAR and FULL photographs of each document.

Step 1

When completing this step, choose "Tyler ISD Pre-K & Head Start" for campus name and then indicate your preferred campus on the appropriate form.

Step 2

This step is required. Click the button below to use our online scheduler to select a day that fits your schedule best.

Reminder

Child* must be 4 years old on or before September 1st of the school year the child will be enrolled in. Children that are 3 years old by September 1, with a Tyler ISD diagnosed disability, will be considered for enrollment. 

*Child must meet federal income guidelines.

Most Frequently Asked Questions by Head Start Parents

Contact Us Or Schedule a Parent Meeting

Head Start Office
903.262.1180

Brandy Headshot

Brandy Holland
Head Start Director
903.262.1955

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Crystal Garcia
Administrative Assistant
903.262.1208

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Glenda Mitchum
Health Facilitator
903.262.1339

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Vicky Arevalo
Data Clerk
903.262.1338

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Sandra Hendrix
Instructional Facilitator
903.262.1213

Felicia portrait

Felicia Thompson
Social Service Worker - Family Engagement
(Austin, Bell, Griffin)
903.262.1183

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Itzel Diego
Social Service Worker - Community Engagement
(Douglas, Orr, Ramey)
903.262.1334

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Columbria Walker
Social Service Worker - ERSEA
(Jones, Peete, Rice)
903.262.1337

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Shuna Mast
Behavior Specialist
903.262.1331

Additional Resources

Head Start Performance Standards

Head Start agencies that provide services to children and families must meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the requirements set forth in the Head Start Act of 2007.

Annual Report to the Public

2023 Community Needs Assessment