County Commissioners approve relocation of McCloud Head Start to Just Elementary School
Hillsborough County is taking a major step forward in early childhood education through a first-of-its-kind partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has approved a lease agreement with the School Board of Hillsborough County that will relocate the County's McCloud Head Start center to Just Elementary School. The partnership marks the first time Hillsborough County Government and Hillsborough County Public Schools have collaborated to house a County-operated Head Start program on a district school campus.
The new center will be located at Just Elementary School, 1315 W. Spruce St. in Tampa, and will feature six classrooms and a playground built to federal Head Start Performance Standards and Florida child care licensing requirements. The facility will serve about 120 children, maintaining the same enrollment capacity currently offered at the McCloud Head Start center across the street at the West Tampa Community Resource Center (WTCRC). The move is expected to happen following construction and occupancy of the new classrooms, currently projected for early 2028.
Creating a path to success
The relocation of the McCloud Head Start center represents more than a change of address. Hillsborough County officials say the move reflects a shared commitment by Hillsborough County Government and Hillsborough County Public Schools to strengthen educational opportunities from the earliest stages of a child's development. By locating Head Start classrooms directly on an elementary school campus, County and School District leaders aim to create a smoother transition from preschool to kindergarten while making it convenient for families.
Head Start program
The Head Start program is a federally funded early childhood education program that serves eligible children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families. The program provides services designed to support children's educational, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. In addition to classroom instruction, children receive developmental screenings and ongoing assessments to monitor progress and identify any areas where additional support may be needed. Head Start classrooms maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring a high-quality learning environment.
Early Head Start program
The Early Head Start program extends similar services to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers from birth to age 3. The program focuses on healthy child development during the early years of life while also supporting parents and caregivers. Both the Head Start and Early Head start programs are available to children with special needs.
Background
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners' Head Start/Early Head Start program (the grantee) currently serves a funded enrollment of 3,474 children. The County's Head Start/Early Head Start is an exemplary early childhood program that partners with families and the community to build a foundation for self-reliance. The Head Start/Early Head Start program provides quality educational opportunities for all children and their families in a safe, nurturing environment and employs qualified, caring staff committed to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of all children.
Learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start, including eligibility requirements, enrollment information, and locations by visiting Hillsborough County's Head Start webpage.