Head Start for Kent County
Head Start for Kent County is a federally funded non-profit that delivers free Head Start and Early Head Start early childhood education to low-income families across Kent County, Michigan, through 13 classroom sites and a home-based visiting program serving children birth to age five.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersWalker, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Head Start for Kent County does
Head Start for Kent County is a private non-profit early childhood education agency headquartered in Walker, Michigan, founded in 1991 (originally as Michigan Family Resources) and currently employing 175 staff. The organization is a federally designated recipient of Head Start and Early Head Start funding (Grant Number 05CH012697) from the Office of Head Start within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and it operates 13 classroom sites across Kent County plus a countywide home-based visiting program serving children from birth through age five and pregnant mothers. Programs are delivered at no cost to qualifying families who meet federal poverty, public assistance, homelessness, or foster-care criteria.
The service portfolio comprises three core program streams: Early Head Start Home-Based (weekly 90-minute home visits using the Parents as Teachers curriculum), Early Head Start Center-Based (infant/toddler classrooms using the Great First Eight curriculum), and Head Start Preschool for ages 3-5 (using Creative Curriculum and Connect4Learning, with COR Advantage for developmental assessment). These are supported by an integrated stack including the ChildPlus online enrollment system, SMART Tag student tracking on a fleet described as the largest Head Start Transportation Department in Michigan, CACFP-compliant nutrition services, special-needs support via PBIS and Conscious Discipline, health and dental screening, and a Parent, Family, and Community Engagement framework featuring Family Advocates at each site.
The business model is a single-payer federal grant structure with no fees charged to beneficiaries. The agency distributes services directly through its own classroom sites and home visitors, relying on community partnerships (60+ organizations), multilingual website content (10+ languages), and word-of-mouth referrals for beneficiary acquisition. Ancillary support includes volunteer programs, student practicum placements with local universities, and a Learning Hub for newly hired teachers. Leadership is headed by Executive Director MaDonna Princer, supported by directors across Program, HR, Finance, IT, and Operations functions, and governed by a community Board of Directors.
Head Start for Kent County firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Head Start for Kent County
- Legal name
- Head Start for Kent County, Inc.
- Website
- https://hs4kc.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Head Start for Kent County is a federally funded non-profit that delivers free Head Start and Early Head Start early childhood education to low-income families across Kent County, Michigan, through 13 classroom sites and a home-based visiting program serving children birth to age five.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Head Start for Kent County industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Early Childhood Education Services
- NAICS
- Child Care Services (62441)
- SIC
- Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Head Start & Public Pre-K Programs (EDACABAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Early Head Start & Publicly Funded Infant/Toddler Programs (EDACAGAH), Early Childhood Education & Childcare Nonprofits (BPAGADAA), Mental Health & Infant/Early Childhood Consultation (0–5) (EDACAFAO)
Keywords
Where Head Start for Kent County is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Walker
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices14 records
Markets served
Head Start for Kent County business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Federal Head Start Funding: The organization receives federal funds 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 (Grant Number 05CH012697) to manage both Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
- No-Cost Services to Qualifying Families: Services are provided at no cost to qualifying families who meet eligibility criteria including income at or below Federal Poverty Guidelines, receipt of Public Assistance, experiencing homelessness, or having a child in Foster Care.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free services for income-eligible families |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Head Start for Kent County product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Head Start for Kent County is a nonprofit early childhood education agency that provides free Head Start and Early Head Start programs for income-eligible families with children from birth to age five. It delivers center-based preschool and infant/toddler classrooms, weekly home visiting services for expecting families and children birth to age three, plus integrated health, nutrition, transportation, special needs, and parent/family engagement services across 13 sites and a county-wide home-based program.
Product overview
Head Start for Kent County is a non-profit early childhood education agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs for children birth to age five and their families. The organization operates three core program streams: (1) Early Head Start – Home-Based (home visiting services using the Parents as Teachers curriculum with weekly 90-minute visits), (2) Early Head Start – Center-Based (infant/toddler classrooms using the Great First Eight curriculum), and (3) Head Start Preschool (3-5 year olds using Creative Curriculum and Connect4Learning). These are supported by integrated services including transportation (with SMART Tag tracking), health services, nutrition (CACFP), special needs support (PBIS, Conscious Discipline), and parent/family engagement programs (Parent Cafes, Family Advocates). The agency operates 12+ physical sites throughout Kent County plus a home-based program, serving as a federally-funded program under the Office of Head Start (Grant Number 05CH012697).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Early Head Start – Home-Based (Home Visiting) Weekly 90-minute personalized home visits using the evidence-based Parents as Teachers curriculum for expecting families and children birth to age three, with twice-monthly group socializations/playgroups for enrolled families.
- Early Head Start – Center-Based (Infant/Toddler Classrooms) Center-based mixed-age classrooms for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years using the Great First Eight curriculum, serving up to nine children with formula, baby food, diapers, and wipes provided.
- Head Start Preschool (3-5 Year Olds) Full-day preschool classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds using The Creative Curriculum for Preschool (3-year-olds) and Connect4Learning curriculum (4-year-olds), covering language, math, science, social studies, movement, art, cooperation, problem solving, and personal responsibility.
- Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Family partnership program with Family Advocates at each site connecting families to community resources, plus Parent Cafes, Dads Cafes, Family Engagement Events, Parent Policy Council, and family leadership opportunities.
- Transportation Services Safe bus transportation to and from schools operating for over 40 years, with a modern fleet (average bus age 2.5 years) equipped with video surveillance, student management tablets, and the SMART Tag real-time student loading/unloading tracking system.
- Special Needs Support Targeted behavioral and developmental support including Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS), Conscious Discipline, and FLIP IT! techniques, delivered by Behavior Specialists, a Mental Health Consultant, Special Needs Specialist, and Special Needs Manager.
- Health Services Comprehensive health services including hearing and vision screening, regular checkup guidance, and oral health services to promote health and prevent illness for enrolled children.
- Nutrition Services Family-style classroom meals teaching pre-reading, pre-math, problem solving, and fine motor skills, operated under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
- Parent & Family Education Educational programs for parents and families including Parent Cafes, Dads Cafes, and the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program (SFP) where parents and youth attend weekly skills classes together.
Quantifiable outcome
- Children develop school readiness skills meeting or exceeding developmental standards for their age group
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Head Start for Kent County
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Head Start for Kent County technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Head Start for Kent County partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Alpha Grand RapidsminorCommunity partner organization that works with Head Start for Kent County to support families and provide resources.
- Arbor CircleminorCommunity partner providing services to Head Start families.
- Kent County Health Department (KCHD)coreKey health partner providing Children's Special Health Care Services program and health resources for enrolled families.
- Kent Intermediate School District (Kent ISD)coreEducational partner supporting local school district collaborations and transitions to kindergarten.
- Grand Rapids Community CollegeminorEducational institution partner supporting student practicum opportunities for early childhood education students.
- Grand Valley State UniversityminorUniversity partner providing student practicum placements and educational opportunities.
- Michigan State UniversityminorUniversity partner supporting educational programs and research.
- YMCA of Greater Grand RapidsminorPartner operating two three-year-old classrooms within Sylvan Head Start building.
- Spectrum Health Healthier CommunitiescoreHealthcare partner providing health education and wellness resources to families.
- Heart of West Michigan United WaycoreCommunity partner supporting family resources and referrals.
- Feeding AmericaminorFood security partner supporting families with nutrition needs.
- Michigan Department of Health and Human ServicescoreState agency partner providing public assistance and social services coordination.
- Michigan WorkscoreWorkforce development partner supporting family economic mobility.
- Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)corePartnership with local school districts for inclusive practices and kindergarten transitions.
- Pine Rest Mental Health ServicescoreMental health partner providing behavioral and social-emotional support services.
- Network 180coreCommunity mental health partner supporting families with behavioral health needs.
- First Steps KentcoreEarly childhood coalition partner supporting family coordination and resources.
- Hispanic Center of West MichiganminorCultural partner supporting Spanish-speaking families with resources and services.
- DA Blodgett - St. John'sminorPartner organization providing services to Head Start families.
- Salvation ArmyminorCommunity partner providing resources and support services.
- Grand Rapids Public LibraryminorEducational partner providing literacy resources and outreach services.
- Kent District LibraryminorLibrary partner providing resources and services at library branches.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Head Start for Kent County competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Alpha Grand Rapids: Kent County pregnancy and family support center listed as HS4KC community partner; serves overlapping expectant family and parenting populations in the same geography.
- DA Blodgett - St. John's: Kent County child welfare and family services nonprofit partnered with HS4KC; operates adjacent child and family programs in the same geography, including foster care and adoption services.
Direct peers
- Bright Beginnings (Kent County): Other Michigan Head Start grantees and Early Head Start providers operate under the same federal funding mechanism with comparable service models; Intercommunity Association / other Michigan Head Start grantees are the most direct comparables.
- YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids: Local YMCA operates licensed childcare and preschool programs (including two classrooms within HS4KC's Sylvan site), serving overlapping family segments in Kent County with comparable tuition-based and subsidy-supported models.
- First Steps Kent: Early childhood coalition and resource hub in Kent County; coordinates family access to early childhood services across multiple providers including HS4KC, with overlapping referral channels and service area.
- Kent ISD Early Childhood Programs: Kent Intermediate School District operates Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and other early childhood services in Kent County, directly competing for the same eligible families with state-funded preschool.
Others
- Michigan Head Start Association: Umbrella association supporting all Michigan Head Start grantees; HS4KC operates under the same federal framework and standards, making MHSA-affiliated grantees comparable peers.
- National Head Start Association (NHSA): National membership organization for the ~1,600 Head Start grantees nationwide; provides policy, training, and advocacy infrastructure that frames the operating environment for HS4KC and its direct peers.
- Pine Rest Mental Health Services: Core mental health partner of HS4KC providing behavioral health services to enrolled families; broader regional behavioral health provider serving similar vulnerable family populations in West Michigan.
Emerging players
- Childcare Resources (Michigan): Michigan-based nonprofit providing childcare subsidy administration, provider support, and early childhood workforce development — operates in adjacent rather than directly overlapping service lines to HS4KC's direct service model.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Head Start for Kent County social profiles
Digital presenceHead Start for Kent County financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Head Start for Kent County leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Head Start for Kent County funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Head Start for Kent County M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Head Start for Kent County
What does Head Start for Kent County do?
Head Start for Kent County is a nonprofit early childhood education agency that provides free Head Start and Early Head Start programs for income-eligible families with children from birth to age five. It delivers center-based preschool and infant/toddler classrooms, weekly home visiting services for expecting families and children birth to age three, plus integrated health, nutrition, transportation, special needs, and parent/family engagement services across 13 sites and a county-wide home-based program.
Is Head Start for Kent County a public or private company?
Head Start for Kent County is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Head Start for Kent County founded?
Head Start for Kent County was founded in 1991. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Head Start for Kent County based?
Head Start for Kent County is headquartered in Walker, United States, in the North America region.
How does Head Start for Kent County make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Federal Head Start Funding is the primary driver. The others are no-Cost Services to Qualifying Families.
Who are Head Start for Kent County's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Alpha Grand Rapids and DA Blodgett - St. John's. Direct peers are Bright Beginnings (Kent County), YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, First Steps Kent and Kent ISD Early Childhood Programs. Others are Michigan Head Start Association, National Head Start Association (NHSA) and Pine Rest Mental Health Services. Childcare Resources (Michigan) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Head Start for Kent County have an API?
No public API is recorded for Head Start for Kent County.
What industry is Head Start for Kent County in?
Head Start for Kent County's product category is Early Childhood Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDACABAK, Head Start & Public Pre-K Programs, with a secondary code of EDACAGAH, Early Head Start & Publicly Funded Infant/Toddler Programs. Its NAICS code is 62441 and its SIC code is 8351.