The Head Start Program in Maui County has been part of Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) Inc. since its inception in 1965. MEO Head Start’s mission is to promote growth and change by empowering economically challenged, high-risk, and/or special needs preschool children and their families to better succeed in life.

The MEO Head Start Program has 13 centers on Maui, 2 centers on Moloka’i, and a partnership on the island of Lana’i. MEO Head Start offers both full and part-day center options.

MEO Head Start believes in a comprehensive approach to support the child and family. Services provided include health services, oral health, nutrition, social services, early childhood education, special needs services (coordinated with the Department of Education), family involvement and training, mental health and transition. Parents are highly involved in shared decision making within the program, including curriculum, program development and individualized goals for their child. We regard parents as their child’s first teacher and work in close partnership with the family.

Applications for school year 2010-2011 are now being accepted. Children with birthdates in ‘06 and ’07 are age eligible for our program. The application must be completed at the Head Start office by child’s parent or legal guardian. Our office is located at 99 Mahalani St, Wailuku, (behind the Cameron Center). Application hours are between 7:30 & 3:30; we accept applications throughout the year. The following items are required to complete an application: 

• Child’s state Birth certificate (or Hospital Certificate of Birth)
• 2009 Household Income; W-2 Forms, Tax Return, 8 Pay Stubs, TANF Printout (Welfare Recipients)
• The following admission and health requirements are needed prior to your child’s first day of school:
• Physical Exam dated within one year prior to start date
• Negative TB test (also within one year prior to start date)
• Up-to-date immunizations
• Dental exam