Learning, growing and thriving together during Head Start Awareness Month

"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

*San Bernardino County Preschool Services Director Arlene Molina joins Ontario Maple Head Start staff in celebrating Head Start Awareness Month.*

Head Start is more than a preschool program. It is a place where families learn, build relationships and discover their potential.

At the San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department, our Head Start programs help families create meaningful experiences that support the child and family as a whole. During Head Start Awareness Month this October, Preschool Services is celebrating what makes Head Start special through hands-on learning, play, creativity, healthy habits, social-emotional development and family engagement.

This is Head Start

In Preschool Services classrooms, learning happens every day through purposeful play and meaningful interactions. Children build critical skills by participating in hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities, creating art projects, reading a favorite story, practicing counting, exploring nature and working together to solve a problem.

Families are our partners

At Preschool Services, we recognize that families are their child’s first and most important teachers, and their involvement is essential for their child’s learning and development.

Family engagement does not have to be complicated. Reading a book together, talking about a child’s day, cooking a healthy meal, counting objects, asking questions, singing a song or simply playing together can create powerful learning opportunities.

When families and educators collaborate, children gain the language, confidence and social-emotional skills needed for a strong foundation in school readiness.

Bringing the celebration to the community

Preschool Services hosted celebrations for the 44th annual Head Start Awareness Month at three preschool sites across the county on Oct. 17. At the events, families had the opportunity to learn more about Head Start, participate in fun activities such as a nature walk and connect with community vendors, including the San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, United Way and First 5.

Head Start Awareness Month celebrates all children, leveraging their curiosity and excitement to create a positive learning environment while further cementing family partnerships. Equally important, it highlights the teachers and supportive staff who create nurturing environments where children thrive. From our Preschool Services classrooms to families’ homes and communities, every interaction can be an opportunity to learn. Every family brings valuable strengths and experiences, and every child has something special to contribute.

This is Head Start — where children learn, families connect and our community grows stronger together. Learn more at psd.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – October 29, 2026