Early/Head Start program design varies by community. Each agency conducts an in-depth Community Assessment every three years, with annual updates, and then bases its program design on the needs, strengths, and resources of the local community.

In center-based programs, the child attends an Early/Head Start classroom and comprehensive services are delivered to the family using the center as a base. Center-based programs may be half day or full day, and the number of days of attendance per week may vary. The length of the program year also varies, with some programs providing the minimum required by the Head Start Program Performance Standards (32 or 34 weeks), and others providing a full year of services. Head Start teaching and family support staff make periodic visits to the family's home in the center-based option.

In the home-based program option, Early/Head Start services are delivered in weekly home visits to the family's home, primarily through intensive work between the Home Visitor and the child's parent. Group socializations are provided twice per month and may include field trips and classroom experiences.

Some agencies combine the center- and home-based options, called the combination model. Other agencies create unique designs, called "local options," again based on the local community assessment.

With the growth of full day/year and birth to age 3 services, many more agencies are providing services through family child care homes.

Illinois Early/Head Start programs use all of the program options. These are outlined by individual agency in the "Program Profiles" section of this report. Statewide Head Start enrollment by program option for 2000-01 includes: