MSU Extension Head Start
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The MSU Extension Service Head Start program, offered in Harrison County, is designed to help children and their parents make an easier transition from daycare and preschool to kindergarten. The program combines local partnerships with research-based education methods to serve children at this most critical stage of life.
Our Head Start centers proudly serve the communities of Gilbert Mason, East Biloxi, and Gaston Point, with Linda Lyons being our Early Head Start center. Our commitment to providing quality early-childhood education extends through our partnerships with local school districts, including Gulfport School District and Biloxi Public School District. In collaboration with Moore Community House and Shine Early Learning, we are able to offer comprehensive support and services. Moore Community House houses our Early Head Start program, including the Linda Lyons Center, while Shine Early Learning plays a vital role in providing valuable program support.
While serving the children of Harrison County, MSU Extension will be working to build a successful model that can be shared and replicated statewide.
Hours of operation: 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in Head Start, please call us at 228-365-9621.
MSU-Extension Head Start Program Administrative Office
521 34th Street
Gulfport, MS 39507
Phone: 228-241-2181
Email: msuheadstart@ext.msstate.edu
East Biloxi Head Start
590 Division Street
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: 228-967-7290
Gaston Point Head Start
1526 Mills Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: 228-731-3746
Gilbert Mason Head Start
4221 Popp’s Ferry Road
D’Iberville, MS 39540
Phone: 228-967-7257
2024 Reports
2024 Community Needs Assesment.pdf
Resources
MDHS receives $24 million for rent/mortgage assistance and LIHEAP.
Community Needs Assessment 2024
Community Needs Assessment 2022-2023
Community Needs Assessment 2021-2022
Community Needs Assessment 2020-2021
This website is supported by Grant Number G00004479 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Mississippi State University Extension Service and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
News
GULFPORT, Miss. -- Every day at Gaston Point Head Start Center starts the same as teachers and staff strive to prepare each child for excellence in school.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service has a new leader at the helm of its programs aimed at early childhood education. Jamila Taylor was named executive director of Early Childhood Extension Programs in the MSU School of Human Sciences Feb. 16.
GULFPORT, Miss. -- When Martin King’s sister encouraged him to enroll his children in Head Start, he took her advice. And he said he’s glad he did. King’s children, ages 3 and 5, began class in September at Gaston Point Head Start. It is one of several locations in Harrison County where the Mississippi State University Extension Service manages and delivers the early learning program.
Success Stories
The 2022 Sale of Champions generated a preliminary total of $448,500, approximately $40,000 more than last year and the highest ever.
Waynesboro pre-K educator earns accreditation through Early Years Network program, opens new center
LaTonya Hill dedicated herself to early childhood education as a college student, but an odd turn of events convinced her to open her own childcare center.
Mississippi Small Businesses Receive Extension Support
When federal and state lending programs specifically geared toward small businesses were announced as part of the government’s response to natural disasters and COVID-19, Mississippi State University Extension Service personnel went into action to distribute information to Mississippi Main Street’s businesses, organizations, and farmers markets.
