Head Start Program for Preschoolers.

I am not sure how your Head start program compares to the one that I have in my area, but I am/was completely pleased with the services that ours provides. I had my now 6 yr old DD there 2 years ago and my DS will be starting this fall. I really like the program because they aren't totally devoted to academics (although they do that)....they also help the children adjust socially. They provide (at least here) 2 meals and the children are encouraged to try new foods and practice using their manners at the table. They get to help set a table and clear their dishes. They also bring in dentists and eye doctors to help screen the children. Our kids were encouraged and even taught how to brush their teeth correctly and practiced it every day. I know that this is a great program for the kids who wouldn't normally be able to attend a regular preschool because of costs. As my DS is 4 and going to be headed to kindergarten next year, this is a great way for him to get a jump on what to expect from school. Good luck in making your decision.

My son has high functioning autism and went to Headstart as a preschooler. It was a great program for my son. The people that ran it were very patient and caring, and I felt very happy with him there. Prior to Headstart he was in a private daycare which was OK, but wasn't as hands on with him. We switched to Headstart when the program changed to a Montessori school, which was not right for him.
At Headstart they worked with him on his speech and toileting skills, and I feel he gained a lot from the experience. I was sad when he aged out of the program. The staff obviously cared quite a bit for him.
While each location is different, I'd say give it a try. Visit the site, talk to the staff and see how you feel.

P.S. We also had him in a Christian daycare early on, but pulled him out because another child was hitting and biting him, and the staff did nothing about it.

If I had a choice, I would send my son to Head Start! Since they are federally funded, they are highly regulated, thus would definately be superior. They have to submit records, stay within strict ratios, keep everything very clean, and they have higher safety standards than 'regular' accredited preschools. You wouldn't get the Christian influence, but that is something he can get at home from you and from church on Sundays (and whatever other days your church has services or programs).

The Head Start teachers are going to have many more resources. Our Head Start Program is funded through Community Action and they have tons of resources. They have dentists that come and evaluate every few months, they have speech and physical therapists that come in and work with individual children, they have licensed councilors come in and observe kids that may have behavioral, learning, or possible disabilities. This is all free to the parents. For a normal 3 year old this is an awesome program. With your son's speech issue I would not even consider not sending him.

When it comes time for the regular 4 year old pre-k program I would say see how you liked the school for the 3 year old program. Did you like the Director, if there were issues did they listen to you and implement what you wanted or needed? the set up of the whole thing, was it beneficial to your child? what is the local public school system offering you to go there instead? are they offering you the same benefits such as a speech therapist?

My son did head start for a short time and I found it a very positive experience. I found it comparible with other preschools and my son enjoyed going. We went 3 days a week with off site speech therapy, and my son progressed quickly. He had a mild speech issue and "graduated" out of the program in a short time. I would recommend the program.