Bear River Head Start History

Bear River Head Start originally received funding to serve preschoolers in Cache County in 1966. Since that time, the program has expanded its service area several times. In 1993, Bear River Head Start expanded into Idaho and became a crossover grantee, serving Utah and Idaho children and families.

In 1996, we received funding for a Wave I Early Head Start grant, serving children zero to three. Our Early Head Start was selected as a participant in the Early Head Start National Evaluation Study.

In 1999, Bear River Head start received funding for our Child Care Connection program component. Child Care Connection is a combination program model, collaborating with community childcare providers and providing home visits. The providers sub-contract with Head Start and agree to implement Performance Standards in their childcare settings.

Our most recent additions over the last few years have been Male Involvement, Youth Initiative, and expansion of home based services into Bannock County, Idaho.

Preschool Head Start
Utah Center-Based and Home-Based (includes 8 Title I Children)	243
Idaho Center-Based and Home-Based (includes 17 TANF, 17 newly funded Preston, and 20 newly funded Bannock County)	118
Early Head Start	75
Child Care Connection	50
Total Enrollment	486