Where Children Come First

Supporting the Development of Preschool Children for Almost 58 Years

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A Pathway to a Bright

& Successful Future

The Committee for Early Childhood Development at Head Start unites families, staff, and community organizations together to support the growth and development of preschool children. C.E.C.D. Head Start combines high-quality education, parent involvement, and strong community linkages to ensure family preservation and diversity while opening a pathway to a bright and successful future for families. To learn more about us or the enrollment process, get in touch today.

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The Creative Curriculum at CECD

The curriculum model used at CECD is the Creative Curriculum, which is based on the philosophy that children learn through active involvement with peers and adults and developmentally appropriate materials in the learning environment. The classrooms at CECD are rich in opportunities for children to be independent and make choices, thereby resulting in their developing into independent thinkers and decision-makers.


A consistent daily routine allows for a smooth transition from one activity to another. It also allows children to predict and plan for the things that are about to happen. The classroom team observes and acts on the differing needs of each child, their abilities, interests, and pacing levels. Classrooms are set up to accommodate easy access to materials that are all age appropriate. Classroom staff supports the ongoing process of emerging literacy.

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Meeting the Needs of All Children

The Educational Staff works closely with the Educational Director, Special Education Coordinator, and outside support staff to help meet goals and objectives written for children with specific needs. All classroom and outdoor activities are designed to support the inclusion of all children. All children receiving special education services participate fully in all of the program’s activities. The strongest and most important bond that is established is with the parents. Their involvement throughout the process is of the utmost importance.

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Promoting Healthy Choices

Good nutrition is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods helps children and adults get the nutrients their bodies need to stay healthy, active, and strong. Program staff can explore resources to support healthy eating habits and find nutrition assistance information to share with families.


Additionally, if a child does not have an ongoing source of continuous accessible health care, our Family Worker will assist in providing referrals. Children are required to have up-to-date medical and dental records on file. A health check is part of the Daily Routine of the classroom.

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Supporting Mental Health

Early Head Start and Head Start programs support the mental health of children, families, and staff every day. Early childhood mental health is the same as social and emotional well-being. It is a child’s developing capacity to express and regulate emotions, form trusting relationships, explore, and learn—all in the cultural context of family and community.

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Family-Centered Services

The programs at CECD offer the family members of our students opportunities and support for growth and change, believing that people can identify their own strengths, needs, and interests and are capable of finding solutions. Parents are encouraged to become involved in our policy-making and program decisions and are provided with opportunities for a significant experience in the program.

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The Early Head Start home-based program and services for expectant families promote parent-child relationships and help parents provide high-quality early learning experiences in all domains of development. This is accomplished through home visits and socialization experiences that utilize a research-based curriculum that aligns with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.

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Registration Requirements

To register your child at CECD, please bring the following documents to the center nearest you:


  • Child’s Birth Certificate
  • Child’s Immunization Card/Health Record
  • Proof of Income
  • Proof of Residence
  • Social Security Card for each member of the household


Thank you for your interest in providing your child with a quality education.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about CECD? We're happy to help! If you can't find the answer you're looking for, contact us!

  • What is Early Head Start and Head Start?

    Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS) programs are free, federally funded programs designed to promote school readiness for children from low-income families. Income eligibility requirements are specified by the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. EHS serves pregnant women and families with children under age 3. HS programs serve children between 3 and 5 years old.


    Our program serves children from birth to age 5, offering home-based services for children ages birth to 2, services for expectant families, toddler classes for 2-year-olds, and preschool classes for 3-5-year-olds. These programs encourage parent involvement through regular visits to the child’s home, regular opportunities for parents to volunteer in the program, and special activities. Head Start and Early Head Start programs also link children and families to other services in the community.

  • What are the hours of operation?

    The hours of operation are 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Is the program accredited?

    Jamaica site #1 is a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accredited Site. All of our locations operate using the same NAEYC standards.

  • Is my child eligible for Early Head Start or Head Start?

    Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for EHS and HS services.


    Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.


    Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.


    Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.

  • How can I enroll my child?

    You must bring in the following original documents: your child’s Birth Certificate, Health Record, Proof of Income, Proof of Residence and Social Security Cards for all family members residing in your household. You can also apply online via the “Online Application” on this website.

  • Does the program have an open-door policy?

    Parents are free to visit the center whenever they choose to. Parents who want to volunteer at the center must have a current medical file and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

  • Does my child have to wear a uniform?

    CECD is a uniform school, but no child will be denied enrollment for not wearing one. Boys wear light blue shirts and navy blue pants while the girls wear light blue blouse and navy blue skirt or pants.

  • Do you provide services for children with special needs?

    The Office of Head Start requires that “not less than 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled by a Head Start agency will be children with disabilities who are determined to be eligible for special education and related services, or early intervention services…by the State or local agency providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA].”


    The teachers complete educational screenings on all children upon enrollment, to ensure that they are developing appropriately. If there are any concerns, the Special Education Coordinator works with families to help with the provision of special education services.

  • Do you provide free meals?

    Our on-site nutrition staff provides nutritional breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily. An NYS Certified Nutritionist approves all menus.



  • Do you use a curriculum?

    Our program uses the Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum for the home-based program and the Creative Curriculum for the center-based classes to address children’s collective and individual needs.


    Partners for a Healthy Baby features materials for home visitors and families that promote child development and family well-being. The curriculum is organized around children’s ages and topics home visitors can use to support both age-appropriate learning and family development.


    The Creative Curriculum is based on the concept that young children learn best by doing. It is built on the child development theory that all children learn through active exploration of their environment. It is also designed to foster the development of the whole child through teacher-led small and large group activities.

  • Where are you located?

    We have three sites: 

    • 193-04 Jamaica Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423, 
    • 193-25 Jamaica Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423
    • 117-21 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11434.


  • Do the children go on trips?

    A minimum of 4 field trips are scheduled throughout a typical school year.

  • Can I tour the facility before I register my child?

    Our doors are always open. It is suggested that prospective parents call and make an appointment so time can be allotted for an escorted tour.

  • Are the teachers certified?

    All of our teachers have a degree and/or certificate in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

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