Head Start (Mountain Home) - El Arcoiris

The centers operate from May to November, coinciding with the harvesting season, and function for twelve hours each day, typically from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They offer complimentary transportation for children, along with two meals and two snacks daily, in addition to free preventative health, dental, developmental, and speech screenings for families not qualifying for CHIP or Medicaid. The program emphasizes education in the primary language of the children. Migrant Head Start is a nationwide preschool initiative aimed at children from eligible migrant families, managed by local nonprofit organizations or public agencies across the country. Applications are accepted for children from birth to school age, particularly for families with incomes below the poverty line, and those with special needs or at high risk. A limited number of over-income children may also be accepted, and all eligible migrant children with diagnosed special needs are welcomed regardless of income, space permitting. The program assists with medical, dental, educational, and social service needs at no cost. Required documentation includes proof of agricultural income, other income sources, migrancy verification, the child's birthdate, and immunization records. Migrant Head Start also provides supportive services in areas such as social services, parent involvement, nutrition, mental health, health, education, disabilities, and transportation, with services available in both Spanish and English.