MSDC Children Services

Supporting Families. Building Bright Futures.

Children Services at Marshall-Starke Development Center support families through Early Head Start and Head Start programs serving Marshall and Starke counties.

Our programs focus on early learning, healthy development, and family goal-setting while supporting parents in their role as their child’s first teacher.

Children Services are offered at no cost to families. Transportation is available.

A newborn baby lying on its stomach on a soft surface, looking towards the camera with open eyes and a slightly open mouth.

Early Head Start (Birth to Age 3)

Early Head Start supports infants, toddlers, and pregnant women through home-based services that focus on healthy development, positive parent-child relationships, and family goal-setting.

  • Weekly home visits with a dedicated home visitor

  • Guidance on child development, nutrition, and wellness

  • Support for expecting parents

  • Family resources and referrals

A young girl in a red polka-dot shirt draws on a piece of paper with a yellow pencil. An adult hand holds the pencil, helping her. The girl has short curly hair and is sitting at a white table. There is a yellow book on the table and a whiteboard in the background with a cartoon bear riding a bicycle.

Head Start (Ages 3–5)

Head Start provides early education in a classroom setting designed to prepare children for kindergarten and future learning.

  • Low child-to-teacher ratios and degreed teachers

  • Developmentally appropriate learning experiences

  • Health, nutrition, and developmental screenings

  • Breakfast and lunch provided daily

  • Transportation available

  • No cost to families

Why Choose Us

  • Family-Centered Approach
    Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. Our programs work alongside families to support learning and family goals.

  • Whole-Child Focus
    We support early learning, health, and developmental needs in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Community Connections
    Families are connected to local resources that support stability and long-term success.

Contact & Enroll

A kindergarten classroom with children sitting on a colorful alphabet carpet, listening to a teacher reading a story and showing an illustration of space rockets. Teachers and children are engaged in a storytime activity.

MSDC Children’s Services

Programs serve families in Marshall and Starke Counties, with three sites offering Head Start services. Apply year-round.

Ready to Enroll? Or Have Questions?

Learn More

For more information about Head Start programs nationwide, visit: