Lane County Office Contact Information
541-747-2425 | 541-747-6648 (fax)
221 B Street, Springfield, OR, 97477
General Info: info@hsolc.org
Head Start of Lane County Service Area
The Head Start program was piloted in Lane County in 1967. The program had been administered by several different agencies, both public and private, and has grown from serving 175 children in 1976 to serving over 800 children and their families in 2024-2025. Since 1993 the Head Start agency has been administered by Head Start of Lane County (HSOLC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Springfield. As of 2024 there are 20 locations offering a variety of options.
Getting children off to a good start takes time, effort and planning. Head Start of Lane County believes that quality of life can be improved if opportunities for growth and development are available for children and their families.
Head Start preschool and the Early Head Start program gives free comprehensive child development and family support for eligible families with children ages birth to five and pregnant women. We provide
- Classrooms reflect the cultures served
- Active, hands on learning
- Comprehensive screenings (medical, dental, vision, hearing, development)
- Free daily meals and snacks
- Resources and referrals
- Translation services
- Trainings and volunteer opportunities
The Early Head Start program offers two options: home base and a combination option.
- Home visits are at a time and place comfortable for the parent. During the time together, parents partner with us to create the environment and experiences they want for their child. Play groups are times to grow and learn together: exploring the classroom, sharing meals, being with other adults and children with other children.
- Combination classrooms meet two days a week in small class sizes (3 teachers and 8 children). Meals, play time and group time are the focus for these two hours together.
Head Start preschool offers three options: part day, extended day and full day.
- Part Day classes meet four days a week for 3.5 hours. There is an AM and PM class. Part Day classes match the public school calendar as close as possible.
- Extend Day classes meet four days a week for 6.75 hours.
- Full Day classes meet five days a week for 10 hours. This is designed for working or student parents needing childcare.
National Program
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Head Start (OHS) advises the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on issues regarding the Head Start program.
The Office develops legislative and budgetary proposals; identifies areas for research, demonstration, and developmental activities; presents operational planning objectives and initiatives relating to Head Start to the Assistant Secretary for Administration for Children and Families; and oversees the progress of approved activities.
OHS provides leadership and coordination for the activities of the Head Start program in the ACF Central Office including the Head Start Regional Program Units. The Office represents Head Start in inter-agency activities with other Federal and non-Federal organizations.
The Head Start program provides grants to local public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies to provide comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families.
