Head Start San Joaquin

Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start programs promote the school readiness of children from income-eligible families, ages birth to five, and expectant mothers by supporting the whole child’s development. The programs offer comprehensive services that include health, social services, nutrition, mental health, and family wellness.

Contact Information

To learn more about the Head Start or Early Head Start program, please call 209-468-4933 or email headstartinfo@sjcoe.net.

Address:
2001 Arch Airport Road Suite 50
Stockton, CA 95206

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Steps to Apply

Step 1: Explore Services

The San Joaquin County Office of Education's (SJCOE) Head Start San Joaquin (HSSJ) program and its partners provide Head Start and Early Head Start services in two forms:

Home-based Services: A dedicated parent educator conducts regular family visits to support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children’s learning and development
Center-based Services: Your child learns in a traditional classroom setting with peers.

Step 2: Find a Location Near You

HSSJ partners with local school districts and community organizations to offer services across San Joaquin County. Explore our location map below or visit our partner websites to find the best fit for your family.

HSSJ classrooms are located in Escalon, Lathrop, Linden, Lodi, Manteca, Ripon, Stockton, Thornton, and Tracy.

Step 3: Choose How to Apply

Select the method that is easiest for your family:

By phone: Call 209-468-4933 to complete your application over the phone with a staff member or to schedule an enrollment appointment.
In person. Visit our office at 2001 Arch Airport Road, Suite 50, Stockton, CA (Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Online: Click the appropriate link below to complete an application for the specific program you are interested in.

Application Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Head Start?

Head Start programs support children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, which include early learning, health, and family wellbeing.

Learn More

Download the Head Start of San Joaquin Annual Report

Early Learning

Children’s readiness for school and beyond is fostered through individualized learning experiences. Through relationships with adults, play, and planned and spontaneous instruction, children grow in many aspects of development. Children progress in social skills and emotional well-being, along with language and literacy learning, and concept development.

Health

Each child’s perceptual, motor, and physical development is supported to permit them to fully explore and function in their environment. All children receive health and development screenings, nutritious meals, oral health, and mental health support. Programs connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure that children are receiving the services they need.

Family Wellbeing

Parents and families are supported in achieving their own goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children’s learning and development.

What ages do you serve?

Where are Head Start San Joaquin programs located in San Joaquin County?

The San Joaquin County Office of Education’s (SJCOE) Head Start San Joaquin (HSSJ) program provides Head Start and Early Head Start services through a partnership with local school districts and community-based organizations. These services are available in nearly every community across the county, including Escalon, Lathrop, Linden, Lodi, Manteca, Ripon, Stockton, Thornton, and Tracy. Visit our partner websites or use the location map to find the program nearest you.

Partner Websites

Head Start Location Map

Can I meet with you in person?

Yes. You can call the Head Start San Joaquin (HSSJ) office at 209-468-4933 to schedule an appointment to visit our office, or visit HSSJ staff at a community event to learn more.

Upcoming Events

Join us for a fun filled event this Saturday, July 18, 2026

11th Annual Block Party

Pixie Woods 3121 Monte Diablo Ave, Stockton CA 95203

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Family Fun Festival

Central United Methodist Church 3700 Pacific Ave, Stockton CA 95204

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Disclaimer: Head Start San Joaquin is supported by Grant Number 09CH013533 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. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of San Joaquin County Office of Education and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.