PACT for West Central Illinois is recruiting families for Head Start.

PACT for West Central Illinois is accepting applications for Head Start and Early Head Start for the 2026–2027 year; the agency runs five centers and families must meet federal income guidelines.

PACT for West Central Illinois is accepting applications for Head Start and Early Head Start for the 2026–2027 year. Head Start is a federally funded program for low-income children ages 3 to 5. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and families with children from birth to age 3. The agency operates five centers in Camp Point, Macomb, Beardstown, Pittsfield and Quincy. Executive director Sara Mixer said the program supports development in the first five years and connects families with education, health and social services. Key details: - PACT is accepting applications for Head Start and Early Head Start for the 2026–2027 year. - Head Start serves children ages 3–5; Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to 3. - PACT operates centers in Camp Point, Macomb, Beardstown, Pittsfield and Quincy. - Families must meet federal income guidelines; families receiving government assistance are automatically eligible. - The program accepts foster children, referrals from community agencies, and homeless children. - Services include early education, health supports, access to special needs services, and childcare in rural areas. Summary: PACT aims to reach families in small rural communities that may lack other childcare and early education options. The program provides educational and health-related supports during the early years. PACT will select families for the 2026–2027 year in the summer, and applications are being accepted now.