Bright Futures Start Here

Our mission is to empower children and families to develop the positive skills to meet life’s challenges.

Our mission is to empower children and families to develop positive skills to meet life's challenges.

Head Start and Early Head Start are locally-operated, federally-funded programs that provide high-quality early childhood education for income-eligible families. Madison County, Illinois families voluntarily enroll their children ages birth through five in our programs because they want to improve their lives. Our qualified teachers create a safe, healthy environment where children learn the skills necessary to be successful in kindergarten and life. Riverbend Head Start & Family Services is teaching children, strengthening families and enhancing communities. We invite you to join us in our mission.

“They are committed to doing more then just educating your child but also developing healthy child emotionally/ mentally, physically, socially and academically. A holistic focus which is great!”

Jaquisha B.

“The teachers and staff are the best and so sweet and a safe and fun place for children wouldn't change a thing.”

Ashley S.

“AMAZING!!! Have 1 child in center base and 1 about to be home based. All the staff is wonderful with the children and my daughter has so much fun and loves to tell me what they did that day. Love to see her love school ”

Alicia C.

“I think this is an absolutely wonderful school system that has an excellent curriculum and staff at the GC South school! I'm a very proud supporter and I'm happily to be a part of it as a parent. I love the meetings we have and wish more parents could make it to them. As a whole I believe we can make our children just as proud of us as we are of them! It's truly ALL about the betterment of our children and their education!”

Scott H.

“My greatest regret is not getting involved earlier with Riverbend.”

Andrea

““I am overjoyed when I saw the bright smiles on the faces of the children at Riverbend Head Start. They do such a great job helping educate children and motivating parents so they no longer live in poverty. I just couldn’t imagine a child so young experiencing the sdtruggles they deal with but I'm happy they have Riverbend Head Start to help.””

Shirley Emons

““My children will have their best chance at success because of Riverbend Head Start.” - Megan C. ”

Megan C.

““As a single father of twin toddlers, Riverbend Head Start fills the gap of their mother. I’m grateful I chose Riverbend Head Start for early child education.” - William K.”

William K.

““Riverbend Head Start has played a major role in helping me better understand my child’s needs, now recognizing where she is and should be developmentally at her age. So, when you ask, “What does Head Start mean to me”, well, it means EVERYTHING!” - Lisa W.”

Lisa W.