CAO of WNY’s Head Start/Early Head Start programs prepare children to succeed in school from day one. We do this by providing a rich, positive environment that fosters age-appropriate academic and developmental growth five days a week, Monday through Friday.

Our programs focus on school-readiness skills both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to laying a firm foundation for academics, we help build confidence and understanding of the world through such relevant topics as health, nutrition, social skills, and physical activity.

We know that school success depends on family support in addition to a student’s individual efforts and we work hard to equip every household with the resources they need to support and advocate for their children. No family is ever alone on this journey. Our team reaches out regularly to caregivers, by phone or through in-person meetings and visits, to offer needed support.

We are here to help those most in need. At least 90 percent of our members meet income requirements and 10 percent of our openings are reserved for children with disabilities. Caregivers who receive public assistance or participate in the foster system are automatically eligible.

Federal funding provides the funds for 1,080 Head Start and 205 Early Head Start slots in Erie County, 200 Head Start slots for Niagara County, and 190 Child Care Partnership slots to our Head Start/Early Head Start programs. We have done everything we can to open our doors safely and follow federal and local protocols throughout the pandemic, so we can continue to provide a safe, enriching environment for infants, toddlers, and pre-school-aged children.

Are You Eligible?

Head Start/Early Head Start provides services to age and income eligible children and their families. At least 90% of our families must meet income guidelines that are established yearly by the Department of Health and Human Services. Families who receive TANF, SSI, participate in the foster care system and/or are homeless are categorically eligible for the program. In addition, CAO Head Start/Early Head Start makes at least 10% of their enrollment opportunities available to children with disabilities.

Enrollment Requirements:

• Must have a current physical on CAO form along with a copy of immunizations

• Proof of insurance

• Proof of birth (Birth certificate, paternity of acknowledgment, passport)

• Proof of Income (Paystubs, W-2’s, 1040, employer letter, TANF or SSI award letter, social security disability, unemployment insurance, child support payment)

• Please note if paystubs are submitted, if paid weekly 4 consecutive pay stubs are required. If paid bi-weekly 2 consecutive pay stubs are required. Paystubs must be within 30 days of application.

ABLE Early Childhood Program

Members will complete a 30-hour training certificate course through the Child Care Resource Network, which can be applied towards CDA requirements. We’re very excited about our partnership with The Service Collaborative and hope you will join us! Learn more about ABLE and apply today.

Parent Engagement

At the Community Action Organization of Western New York, we believe that families are a child’s first and most important teachers. We promote meaningful parent engagement by building trusting, relationship-based partnerships that respect and honor each family’s culture, language, and unique strengths. Through two-way communication, we actively listen to families, encourage feedback, and work together to support each child’s development and school readiness.

Parents are encouraged to participate in many aspects of the program, from volunteering in classrooms and attending events to serving in leadership roles on committees and the Policy Council. We also collaborate with families to develop activities together, share ideas through surveys and discussions, and support smooth transitions from Prenatal services to Early Head Start, from Early Head Start to Head Start, and from Head Start to kindergarten.  By valuing family voice and creating flexible opportunities for involvement, we strengthen the home–school connection, promote positive child outcomes, and build a vibrant learning community together.