Supporting young minds

Head Start and high-quality affordable early education

Early Childhood Education

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Quality Education

Community Action Marin offers high-quality education programs for each age group. These programs are designed to provide children with the skills they need to support at every stage in their development. Our free and affordable Head Start and early education programs support families so that parents can work and know their children are being taken care of and learning. Our educational programs help families thrive. 

All of our programs for younger children are designed for each age groups developmental goals. The programs are full day, full year and include comprehensive health, nutrition, education, social services, and family development. 

  

 

Services by Age Group

Early Head Start
(prenatal – age 3)

We offer high-quality, free and affordable early education programs. Program curriculum is based upon nurturing care and support of the child’s routine. In our program, one primary caregiver is matched with a group of children and supports the growth and development of the child until they turn age 3. Services are designed to provide children with the skills they need to support every stage of their development. Our staff support families so that parents can work and know their children are being taken care of and learning. Center-based childcare is offered at ten different locations.

Preschool
(ages 3 – 5)

Our Preschool Centers focus on support for dual language learners, as well as social emotional growth and fostering interactions with peers. Older preschool children engage in stimulating activities to prepare them for kindergarten. A preschool classroom of 20 students is supported by a Teacher, Associate Teachers, and Assistant Teachers.

School Age After School Program
(age 5+)

School Age care was established for the purpose of helping students develop and strengthen academic, physical, and social skills. The program provides assistance and tutoring to students after the regular school day. Teachers also provide other enrichment opportunities such as poetry, art, drama, music, and dance, as well as recreational activities. Full time summer care, once their regular school year is completed, is also available for this school age group.

Community Action Marin has helped my family in so many ways I am so grateful to have them. I had my son when I was 19 and was very worried about how I would work with such a young child but CAM has helped me tremendously with childcare. Since putting him into their Head Start program I’ve been able to go to school and work while knowing my child is safe and well taken care of. Community Action Marin has also helped me pursue my teaching career, Soraya told me about the ECEPTS (Early Care & Education Pathways to Success) program to help me get my teaching credentials. This was a huge step for me in making sure my son has a secure life and that I have a secure job.

Tarryn A.
Children & Families Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Action Marin offers quality education programs for each age group:

  • Early Head Start: Pre-natal – age 3
  • Preschool: Ages 3 – 5
  • After School: Ages 5+

 

Marin County families with children 0-5 years of age and expectant women. Must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Meet federal or state income guidelines  
  • Receive public assistance  
  • Child is in foster care or experiencing homelessness 

Children and Family Services individualizes the program for each child, which includes supporting the development of the home language. In Infant/Toddler care programs, the home language is primarily supported throughout the child’s acquisition of language. In the preschool years, the home language continues to be supported with an introduction to English (if not the child‘s first language) to support the child’s readiness for Kindergarten.

The children in full-day center-based care are provided breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day. School-age children who are only with us part of the day (after school) receive a snack.

We utilize a curriculum called Garden of Eatin’ to teach children about food, nutrition, cooking, gardening, agriculture, nature, and related topics. Each Early Education site also has a garden, which allows for outdoor experiences with growing, exploring, and tasting fresh foods. Children also learn about healthy eating by the example of their caregivers, who model healthy habits, manners, and good choices in the classroom.

Former Head Start Children

Cornell Brooks, President and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Dr. John Paul Kim, Anesthesiologist

Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation 

Sylvia Mathews Burwell United States Secretary of Human Services 

Chris Rock, Actor and Comedian 

Shaquille O’Neal, Professional Basketball Player 

Bonnie St. John, Paralympian 

The Impact of our Program

We proudly serve as the lead agency for all federally-funded Head Start programs in Marin. 

View our 2023 Head Start Report