Oregon Highlights Head Start Resources for Families

Families with young children can access health and educational support services across all 36 Oregon counties.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Child Care

Oregon Highlights Head Start Resources for Families

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Do you believe early childhood education programs provide essential support for families in your community?

Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed October 2026 as Head Start Awareness Month in Oregon. The initiative highlights programs serving families from the prenatal stage to age five in every county across the state.

Why it matters

This proclamation recognizes the role of Head Start in connecting Oregon families to essential health, dental, and early education services. It serves to emphasize the support systems available for young children as they prepare for the transition to kindergarten.

Head Start programs are currently active in all 36 Oregon counties. The Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK) program provides support for children from the prenatal stage up to age five.

The players

Tina Kotek

The current Governor of Oregon who issued the proclamation for Head Start Awareness Month.

Oregon Head Start Association

A collaborative organization that provides and coordinates early childhood services for families across the state.

The details

Head Start provides a multifaceted approach to early development by connecting families with medical and dental care providers. These services are delivered through a network of local community organizations and the Oregon Head Start Association. By addressing health needs alongside early education, the program aims to ensure children reach school age with a consistent foundation for learning.

Oregon joined the national Head Start program in 1965.
Governor Kotek proclaimed October 2026 as Head Start Awareness Month.

The Home Front

This state-level proclamation aligns Oregon with the long-standing national framework of the federal Head Start program. It highlights the continued integration of public health and early childhood education as a standard approach to family support services in the region.

Families can use this month to verify the eligibility of their children for local programs, as support is available for those from the prenatal stage through age five. Contact the Oregon Head Start Association to locate the nearest service provider in your specific county.

The takeaway

Head Start programs provide consistent medical and educational support for Oregon children from the prenatal stage to age five. Families should review the available resources in their county by visiting the official state program directory.