Parents of young children in the Idaho Falls area have an opportunity this week to explore a federally funded early childhood program that helps get kids ready before they ever set foot in a kindergarten classroom. Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP) Head Start is hosting an open house on Wednesday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1465 Hoopes Ave, Idaho Falls.
The event is designed to give families a firsthand look at what the Head Start program offers children between the ages of three and five, along with a chance to ask questions and connect with program staff.
What Head Start Provides
Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood program with a curriculum built around kindergarten readiness. Beyond classroom learning, enrolled children receive meals, diagnostic hearing and vision screenings, and help establishing consistent medical check-ups. The program also features inclusive classrooms and conducts behavioral observations alongside early intervention screenings that evaluate social, emotional, and developmental skills.
Katie Atterton, program director for EICAP Head Start and Early Head Start, emphasized how the program equips children with foundational skills before the demands of kindergarten arrive. As she told localnews8.com, “They’re gaining a lot of those skills. And so when they go to kindergarten, it’s not such a shock to the system.”, as first reported by the Local News 8
That emphasis on gradual preparation — social habits, communication, routine — is a core part of the Head Start model. Children who enter kindergarten already accustomed to a structured learning environment tend to adapt more smoothly and keep pace with early academic milestones.
Family Involvement at the Center
Program leadership stressed that parental involvement is not just welcome — it is considered essential. Sarah Taylor, deputy director for EICAP Head Start and Early Head Start, told localnews8.com that staff want families engaged in the day-to-day decisions that shape their child’s development. “We want families to feel like they can have a voice in their child’s education and in the decisions they make every day with their children,” Taylor told the Local News 8.
That philosophy reflects a broader goal within Head Start: to build a partnership between educators and parents rather than operating as a service families simply hand their children off to. The open house format is meant to reinforce that approach, giving parents time to walk through the facility, meet teachers and staff, and understand how the program operates before enrolling their child.
The inclusive classroom model is also worth noting for families with children who may need additional support. Head Start programs are designed to serve children across a range of developmental needs, which means the environment is built to accommodate and support every child rather than route struggling students elsewhere.
What to Expect at the Open House
Families attending the August 12 open house can expect to learn about enrollment, program services, and the daily structure their child would experience. Staff will be on hand to walk parents through the screening and intervention services available, as well as to answer questions about scheduling, meals, and curriculum. The event runs for three hours, offering a flexible window for families with varying schedules during the morning.
Head Start programs are federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and are administered locally through community action agencies like EICAP. Services are typically offered at no cost to qualifying families, making it an accessible option for households across a wide range of income levels.
For parents in Bannock County and the broader southeast Idaho region looking for structured early childhood programs, similar resources may be available closer to home. Community events in the area — like the recent Chubbuck Days Parade and Pocatello’s August First Friday Art Walk — also offer opportunities to connect with local organizations and service providers.
What Comes Next
The EICAP Head Start open house takes place Wednesday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1465 Hoopes Ave in Idaho Falls. Families interested in enrolling a child between the ages of three and five are encouraged to attend. For more information about Head Start programs and services available through EICAP, families can contact the program directly or visit in person during the open house.