Prep your little one for their school years. Drake University Head Start programs help children, from birth to the age of four, feel ready and confident for their first day of kindergarten and beyond.
Better preparing young children and their families for life experiences now and in the future.
News & Announcements
Business Women’s Association Foundation (BWA) Grant
Business Women’s Association Foundation (BWA) Grant
Region VII Head Start Association Annual Conference
Region VII Head Start Association Annual Conference
Enrolling for Fall 2025
Now accepting fall 2025 applications! Complete our pre-application or call today to schedule an application appointment.
Head Start Service Area
Serving 900+ children in six Iowa counties: Polk, Jasper, Marion, Boone, Warren, and Story (Ames only).
This website is supported by Grant Number 07CH013194 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Drake University Head Start and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program through the USDA which provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults. CACFP contributes to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children and adults in the United States.
