Grand Opening Celebration of New Head Start Location Tuesday, December 12

Southwest Human Development is celebrating the opening of a new Head Start location on the Larry C. Kennedy campus in the Creighton School District in Phoenix with an open house on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The event is a first look at the brand-new facility, which will serve 34 income eligible children and their families.   

“We’re delighted to be opening this new location,” said Mindy Zapata, M.Ed., director of Early Head Start and Head Start at Southwest Human Development. “We’re really seeing how fundamental these programs have been for underserved families throughout our community to receive the support they need.”

All children who participate in Head Start and Early Head Start gain access to a welcoming, high-quality learning environment, highly trained staff and low child-to-teacher ratios. The programs also provide participants with health and development screenings, nutritious meals and snacks, dental and mental health support, and other related services.

In addition, the program takes a two-generation approach that not only helps meet the needs of the child, but also those of the child’s family.  Parents or caregivers of Head Start participants have access to comprehensive social support services and other related resources to help families achieve academic, financial and home-life goals.

Southwest Human Development’s early education programs serve more than 1,200 children and their families.  Programs are offered at Educare Arizona and in the Balsz, Creighton, Madison, Osborn and Paradise Valley school districts. Additionally, Southwest Human Development’s Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs are offered at several Phoenix child care centers.

Families interested in enrolling at the new campus or any SWHD location can visit swhd.org/HeadStart or call (602) 560-0000 to speak with an enrollment specialist.  A specialist will walk parents or caregivers through the application process, provide eligibility information and help them find the most convenient Head Start location to meet their family’s needs.