Head Start, Early Head Start & State Preschool

MAAC readies children for success in school while helping their families meet their early childhood education, health and well-being, nutrition and social services needs.

MAAC Head Start, Early Head Start and State Preschool programs deliver national school readiness programs at no cost to eligible families. Eligibility is based on family size and income. We serve children (0-5) and their families, children with disabilities and pregnant women. We serve nearly 1,800 children and their families in North San Diego County in the communities of Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, San Marcos, Valley Center, and Vista.

Every Child Deserves a Great Head Start!

At MAAC, we understand that families thrive when they feel supported and welcome. Parents play a key role in the success of their children, we invite them to partner with us every step of the way.

Every classroom across our child development centers, partner sites and family child care providers are structured with specific areas for dramatic play, science, art, sensory exploration, literacy and writing. Daily activities include large group, small group and individual play time, as well as outdoor activities, family-style mealtimes and personal hygiene.

MAAC makes special efforts to ensure that children with special needs are able to participate in all aspects of the program either in an inclusive home-based or preschool classroom environment. The program reserves at least 10% of its enrollment slots for children with disabilities and no child will be denied enrollment because of a disability.

The benefits of Head Start and Early Head Start outlast the few years children are enrolled in the program; highly individualized attention in the areas of education, early childhood development, health and parent involvement establish a solid foundation to promote well-being and success in school and beyond.

How to Apply
For information about eligibility or enrollment at one of our MAAC Head Start centers, or for general questions, please call (760) 471-4210, or click below to start your application online today!

Click here (English) or here (Spanish) to view our program flyer and a list of our child development center locations.