The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Head Start and Early Learning Division receives state and federal funds that support 16 agencies. LACOE uses those funds to provide quality early education programs, and family services for low-income children (birth to age five) and their families. We work closely with school districts and nonprofit agencies to serve thousands of children in Los Angeles County through Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool programs.

When we contract with an agency, we do more than just provide funding and make sure they comply with program rules and regulations. We also train staff, provide ongoing help and support, and offer additional community resources to support the program. This way, we help our valued agencies deliver the best services to each child and family they serve. Unless otherwise noted, all agencies provide Early Head Start and Head Start services.

Our Agencies:

A World of Possibilities 

That’s exactly what opens for children and families who enroll in our early education programs. The Los Angeles County Office of Education Head Start and Early Learning Division (LACOE) offers a comprehensive prenatal-to-five early learning program for eligible children and families. We partner with families, communities, and providers to give children of all abilities the skills to succeed in school and life.   

Since 1979, LACOE has focused on the needs of the whole child regardless of ability – from early learning skills, literacy, health, and nutrition to support for the entire family’s health and well-being.  

We work with 16 agencies, including school districts and nonprofit agencies, to provide Head Start, Early Head Start, and state programs that serve thousands of young children and families. LACOE funds and monitors the work of these agencies to ensure children receive the highest quality services and the right community resources and that staff receive the best training available.  

Children and families deserve a head start and LACOE delivers it. 

LACOE is proud to support Head Start, Early Head Start, and state programs through funding from the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services, the California Department of Education, and the California Department of Social Services.