Head Start for Kent County

Head Start for Kent County is a preschool in Walker, MI, serving children from birth to age five and their families through early childhood programs funded by federal grants. The organization provides holistic, family-centered services at no cost to qualifying families in Kent County, including center-based classrooms and a home visiting program for infants, toddlers, and expecting parents. Services focus on education, parental involvement, nutrition, medical and dental care, and social support, with a strong emphasis on meeting children’s basic needs to support their learning and development. The agency operates from its central office at 2626 Walker Ave NW and serves families across Kent County, with a mission to promote well-being and lay a strong foundation for future success.

Head Start for Kent County was founded in 1991 under the name Michigan Family Resources and continues to operate as a nonprofit agency delivering comprehensive early childhood services. The organization uses the Parents as Teachers curriculum for home visiting and the COR Advantage assessment to track child development. Families receive monthly books, participate in play groups, and engage in goal-oriented visits with trained home visitors. Expecting families are supported through a nurse and home visitor partnership using the Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum. The agency emphasizes integrity, competence, professionalism, humanitarianism, commitment, and respectfulness in all its programs and interactions.

The center is located on Walker Ave NW, just a short distance from Simons School and within a mile of 3 Mile Road Northwest. It sits about 0.7 miles from Indian Mill Creek and 1.1 miles from the Kent County Road Commission, placing it near key local infrastructure and educational institutions. The surrounding area includes natural features such as Brandywine Creek, contributing to a quiet, accessible neighborhood setting.

While the business has a rating of 2.30, the strength of its mission lies in its long-standing commitment to underserved families in Kent County, offering vital early childhood services that address both educational and basic needs. Its focus on family engagement and comprehensive support reflects a deep dedication to community well-being. Head Start for Kent County remains a foundational resource for early development in the Walker area.