HOPES Head Start Program provides care to children ages three through five years of age in a center –based program option.

The Head Start program (for children ages three to five) promotes school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally.

Early Head Start and Head Start programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Either the Tools of the Mind Curriculum (in Hoboken) or High Scope Curriculum (in Plainfield) is used and aligned with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. An interdisciplinary team of family members, teachers, specialists and advocates work together to ensure children receive the care and education needed for future success. Child Outcomes are tracked in the following areas:

1. Language Development
2. Literacy Skills
3. Mathematics Knowledge & Awareness
4. Science Knowledge & Awareness
5. Creative Arts Expression
6. Social & Emotional Development
7. Positive approaches to Learning
8. Physical Health & Development