Successful Beginnings Start Here.
Head Start is a comprehensive early education program serving pre-school aged children from at-risk backgrounds. From early math and reading skills to confidence and resilience, we help children build the abilities they need to become successful in school and life.
About Head Start
NRCA Head Start seeks to build on the strengths of children and families offering a quality pre-school experience with a whole child, whole family approach. We welcome children 3-5 years of age; potty training is not mandatory. We also welcome children with special needs, who make up at least ten percent of enrollment.
We serve more than 200 children currently through Head Start centers located throughout the New River Valley.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Eligible children are enrolled regardless of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, or disability.
Our Comprehensive Approach Includes:
- School Readiness
- A research-based curriculum and child assessment
- Opportunities for students to develop socially, intellectually, and emotionally
- Safe and Nurturing spaces where children learn
- Individualized learning experiences
- Parent Engagement
- Recognizing parents as their child’s first and most influential teacher
- Parenting support classes
- Opportunities to volunteer in classrooms or become a representative on Policy Council, the governing body of Head Start.
Families Resources and Support:
- Helping families address immediate needs while supporting them in planning for their future
- Health and nutrition education
- Breakfast and lunch daily
- Health and developmental screenings
- Preventative dental and health care
Contact the Head Start Administrative office or the local New River Community Action office in your area for more information.
2025-2026 Policy Council Members
Sarah Popczun
Chairperson
Vonetta (V) Williams
Vice Chairperson
Jennifer Brown
Secretary / Board Laison
Nick Popczun
Scott Sowder
Samantha (Sammi) Mahoney
Paige Walters
Alisha Persinger
Annie Shaba
Wanangwa Nhlema
Stephanie Smith
Head Start Locations & Applications
Floyd Head Start
120 Epperly Mill Road, SW
PO Box 849,
Floyd, Va. 24091
Phone: 540-745-2120
Floyd Elementary School
531 Oak Hill Drive SW
Floyd, Va. 24091
Pearisburg Head Start
1105 Henson Ave.,
Pearisburg, Va. 24134
Phone: 540-921-2355
Macy McClaugherty Elem. School
1001 Henson Avenue
Pearisburg, Va. 24134
Blacksburg Head Start
701 Church St. SE,
Blacksburg, Va. 24060
Office Phone: 540-552-0490
Christiansburg Head Start
135 Church Street,
Christiansburg, Va. 24073
Office Phone: 540-381-7559
Margaret Beeks Elementary School
709 Airport Rd
Blacksburg, Va. 24060
Pulaski Head Start
1520 Bob White Blvd.
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: 540-994-5740
Early Learning Center
5251 College Drive
Dublin, Va. 24084
McHarg Elementary School
700 12th Street,
Radford 24141
Office: 540-633-5133 ext.446
Cell: 540-320-3476
New River Community Action Fairlawn Campus
6671 Riverlawn Ct
Fairlawn, Va
Phone: 540-217-9426
To complete a 2026-2027 application,
please see the link above.
If you would like to follow up on an already submitted application
submit an email question to brodriguez@nrcaa.org
or contact your local Head Start Center above.
The Head Start Program Governance Training: Building Skills of Head Start Leaders is a comprehensive, self-paced training. It is designed for new and experienced governing bodies, and Head Start Policy Council members. The training module provides skill-building activities that will help governance leaders practice and fulfill their important role
The module includes interactive activities that offer life-like scenarios for developing and furthering Head Start governance leadership skills. Grantees can use the module to develop a training plan for their governing bodies and Policy Councils, as required by Sec. 642(d)(3) of the Head Start Act and the terms and conditions for their five-year project period grant award.
Topics covered in the module include:
• Fulfilling your governance role
• Reviewing Head Start reports and asking thoughtful
questions in response
• Making effective decisions and resolving conflicts
• Envisioning a better future and program planning
• Becoming a Head Start ambassador
