Head Start (Mountain Home) - El Arcoiris

Migrant Head Start centers are available from May to November during the harvesting season and typically operate for twelve hours each day, from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These centers offer complimentary transportation for children, along with two meals and two snacks daily. They also provide free preventive health, dental, developmental, and speech screenings for families that do not qualify for CHIP or Medicaid. The program focuses on education in the primary language of the children. It 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 poverty guidelines, as well as for children with special needs or at high risk. A limited number of children above the income threshold may also be accepted, and all eligible migrant children with diagnosed special needs are welcomed regardless of income, subject to space availability. Services provided include assistance with medical, dental, educational, and social service needs, all at no cost. Required documentation includes proof of agricultural income, other income sources, verification of migrancy, child's birthdate, and immunization records. Supportive services include social services, parent involvement, nutrition, mental health, health, education, disabilities, and transportation, offered in both Spanish and English. The intake procedure can be conducted either on-site or through outreach.