Child Care & Head Start
Early learning that prepares children for school and supports families for success.
Through our Child Care and Head Start programs, children engage in hands-on learning, build meaningful relationships, and develop the confidence and skills they need for kindergarten readiness. Families receive individualized support and connection to resources—because strong families create strong futures.
About Childcare & Head Start
At Making Opportunity Count, our Child Care and Head Start programs provide safe, nurturing early learning environments for children from infancy through preschool. We know that early education is about more than supervision—it’s about building strong foundations for lifelong learning and supporting families as partners in their child’s development.
Our classrooms focus on school readiness, social-emotional growth, healthy development, and family engagement. Through individualized learning, nutritious meals, developmental screenings, and strong family partnerships, we help children grow with confidence and families feel supported.
Our Services
Our classrooms provide early learning, social-emotional development, health and nutrition support, and strong family partnerships—helping children thrive in school and beyond.
Early Learning & School Readiness
Our teachers use research-based curricula to build early literacy, language, math, and problem-solving skills. Children learn through hands-on exploration, storytelling, art, music, and play. Lessons are individualized to support each child’s developmental stage and prepare them for kindergarten success.
Social-Emotional Growth
Children learn how to build friendships, express emotions, solve problems, and develop independence. Our nurturing classrooms promote confidence, empathy, and positive behavior through consistent routines and supportive guidance.
Health, Nutrition & Developmental Support
Children receive nutritious meals and snacks, regular developmental screenings, and support in building healthy habits. We partner with families to monitor milestones and connect them to additional services when needed, ensuring children are healthy and ready to learn.
Family Partnership & Parent Support
We believe families are a child’s first and most important teacher. Our team works closely with parents and caregivers to set goals, access community resources, and stay engaged in their child’s learning journey.
Get Started
Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Submit an Interest Form. A staff member will contact you to review eligibility, answer questions, and guide you through the enrollment process.
Is the Interest Form the same as applying?
The Interest Form is the first step. After submitting it, our team will help you complete the full enrollment process, including required documentation.
Who qualifies for Head Start?
Eligibility is primarily based on family income and age requirements. Some children may qualify based on additional factors. Our team will review eligibility with you.
What ages do you serve?
We serve children from infancy through preschool age. Program placement depends on age, eligibility, and classroom availability.
Is there a cost?
Some families qualify for free services through Head Start. Other child care options may involve tuition or subsidy support. Our team will discuss any costs before enrollment.
Is there a waitlist?
Enrollment depends on eligibility guidelines and available classroom space. If a classroom is full, your child may be placed on a waitlist and contacted when space becomes available.
Program Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical day look like?
Children participate in structured learning activities, hands-on play, outdoor time, meals, rest periods, and creative experiences. Daily routines support learning, independence, and positive social interaction.
What curriculum do you use?
Our classrooms use research-based early learning curricula aligned with state standards. Activities are developmentally appropriate and individualized to support each child’s growth.
How do you support social-emotional development?
Teachers guide children in building friendships, expressing emotions, and solving problems in positive ways. Classrooms are designed to foster confidence and resilience.
Are developmental screenings provided?
Yes. We conduct regular screenings to monitor progress and identify areas where additional support may be beneficial.
How are families involved?
Families are encouraged to participate in classroom activities, goal-setting meetings, and family events. Ongoing communication with teachers supports strong partnerships.
What if my child needs additional support?
We work with families and community partners to support children with identified needs in inclusive learning environments.
Do children receive meals?
Yes. Children receive nutritious meals and snacks that support healthy growth and development.
Our Impact
Last year 771 children improved their cognitive, social, and emotional development through Child Care & Head Start.
Payment & Tuition
All parents/guardians are expected to make tuition payments through Procare. Procare provides secure online and mobile app options so families can view tuition charges, payments, and statements anytime.
- Pay Online: Go to Procare
- Need help? If you have not received an invitation to register with Procare, contact CCHS@mocinc.org.
Location Information
Child Care & Head Start services are offered at multiple centers and family child care homes across North Central Massachusetts.
Child Care & Head Start
601 River Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Phone: 800-523-6373
Email: cchs@mocinc.org
Services Provided
- Center-based early learning programs
- Licensed family child care homes
- Before & after school care
- Head Start & Early Head Start services
This website is supported by Grant Number 01ch011833 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Making Opportunity Count and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
Have questions? Need help? Let’s get in touch.
We’re here to answer any questions you have. Just reach out, and a Making Opportunity Count employee will be happy to chat about how our organization can support you.
Phone: 1-800-523-6373
Email: cchs@mocinc.org
Fill out the form and someone on our team will get back to you shortly.
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