Head Start / Preschool Promise

Welcome to North Central ESD Early Education

Proudly serving Gilliam, Wheeler, and Sherman Counties since 2000

Head Start Serving Gilliam, Wheeler, & Sherman Counties 

About Us

North Central ESD Early Education provides an enriched learning environment that has helped countless students get ahead. Founded in 2000, we serve and provide resources to Sherman, Gilliam, and Wheeler Counties,  We’re extremely proud of our counties, students and staff, who are always eager to learn, create and grow together. Give us a call if you need more information.

Program Philosophy

To assist each child in developing to his/her potential and to empower parents in their role as the most important and primary teachers, caregivers, and role models for their children.

What is Head Start & Oregon Pre-kindergarten ?

Head Start is a federal program that promotes school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Oregon modeled Oregon Pre-kindergarten (OPK) after Head Start to expand high-quality early learning opportunities for lowest income and highest need preschool children from three to five years.

OPK is free to families whose children are at least three years old, not old enough for kindergarten, and who meet income or other eligibility qualifications. Program services include:

  • Preschool education and early childhood development

  • Child health/mental health and nutrition

  • Parent education and family support

In the classroom, they program provides a learning environment that supports children’s growth and development, which includes:

  • Language and literacy

  • Cognition and general knowledge

  • Physical development and health

  • Social and emotional development

  • Approaches to learning

OPK emphasizes the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher and builds relationships with families to support:

  • Family well-being and positive parent-child relationships

  • Families as learners and lifelong educators

  • Family engagement in transitions

  • Family connections to peers and community

  • Families as advocates and leaders

All services are designed to be responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. We are proud to partner with Head Start to have these serviced available in all 36 counties in Oregon.


What to expect if your child is enrolled in Head Start.

  • 2 Home Visits with your child's teacher

  • 2 conferences with your child's teacher

  • Early Intervention screenings for speech, hearing, vision, height & weight

    • Please note these are also freely available to students not enrolled in the grant program or you may opt out

  • Access to parent education resources

For more information about Head Start, visit the Head Start and the Oregon Head Start Association websites.

What to expect if your child is enrolled in Preschool Promise.

  • 3 conferences with your child's teacher annually

  • Early Intervention screenings for speech, hearing, vision, height & weight

    • Please note these are also freely available to students not enrolled in the grant program or you may opt out

  • Access to parent education resources