Apply for free preschool

Drake University Head Start/Early Head Start is a free, federally funded school readiness program that serves children birth to five years-old, and their families. Our program provides educational, health, nutritional, and social services, as well as support for children with disabilities and opportunities for parents and families to become engaged in their child’s education.

Drake University Head Start/Early Head Start is the largest Head Start program in the state of Iowa, and it is one of only a few University-based Head Start programs in the nation. The counties served by Drake University Head Start/Early Head Start include Polk, Jasper, Warren, Marion, Boone and Story (Ames only).

Currently, Drake University Head Start offers school readiness classrooms in Ankeny, located at the Neveln Center. These classrooms are for children who are three or four years of age by September 15th. Additionally, home based services are available for children ages 0 to 3 years. Applications are now being taken to enroll children and openings may still be available.

Drake University Head Start/Early Head Start

3206 University Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50311

515-271-1854 or 1-800-44-DRAKE ext. 1854

www.drakeheadstart.org