Head Start promotes early childhood education, health, nutrition, mental health, and social services to children and families. The program helps eligible children ages 3-5 prepare to succeed in school by promoting their development through services that support early learning, health, and family well-being.
Our Head Start programs include:
- Free, full-day preschool programs
- Highly qualified, caring, supportive staff
- Health professionals offering guidance to parents regarding the health needs of their children
- Inclusive educational services for children with disabilities
- Parenting classes and supports
- Family advocacy
- Opportunities for parent participation in program planning
- Developmental screenings and assessments
- Developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum
- Free daily nutritional breakfast, lunch and snack for children enrolled in center-based programs
For information about Norwescap Head Start please contact your nearest location:
Hunterdon County
Ringoes – 908-284-4757
Sussex County
Newton – 973-300-4091
Hopatcong – 973-398-4486
Wantage – 908-454-8830
Warren County
Hackettstown – 908-452-5803
Phillipsburg – 908-213-3422
Washington – 908-689-4668
Eligibility Requirements
Families must fall below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Additional Eligibility:
A family can be considered eligible for HS/EHS services if they meet one of the following criteria:
| Criteria | Documentation Needed for Application |
| Temporary Kinship Care or Foster Care | Letter from DCPP stating temporary guardianship, OR Court documentation showing temporary guardianship |
| Social Security Disability | Award letter from County Department of Human or Social Services |
| *Homelessness | Letter from homeless shelter HS/EHS application |
| SNAP | Award letter County Department of Human or Social Services |
*The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This definition also includes: Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
Water Testing
Norwescap Head Start collaborates with local school districts to test for lead in drinking water, pursuant to NJAC 6A:26-12.4. Results from the testing for the 2021-2022 year are available below:
Phillipsburg Fisher Avenue Center
Phillipsburg Roseberry Street Center
Newton Head Start