Sequatchie Valley Head Start
Contact our team about the 2025-2026 school year! Click Here For More Info
About Us
What is Head Start?
Head Start programs promote the school readiness of children ages birth to 5 from low-income families by supporting their development in a comprehensive way.
Sequatchie Valley Head Start (SVHS) is the area’s premiere early childhood program serving more than 400 children and families covering over 1,867 square miles in beautiful, rural Tennessee. We have proudly served the children and families of Bledsoe, Grundy, Marion, Rhea, and Sequatchie County for over thirty years!
Our SVHS Family is made up of over 135 highly qualified and dedicated team members. You must love children and be passionate about helping families to work here!
We invite your family to become a part of our family. We hope you will choose SVHS as a partner in preparing your child for school and for life. If you have needs, concerns, or questions about our program don’t hesitate to give us a call.
At Sequatchie Valley Educational Development Agency, we value everyone. We have a strict non-discrimination policy. We believe everyone should be treated equally.
Our Head Start. Our Family. Our Community
Early Head Start (Ages 0-3)
Children attend 5 days/week, 7.25 hours per day from August through June. Parents provide transportation for children. Locations: Dayton, Pikeville, South Pittsburg, Tracy City, and Altamont.
Head Start: Part Day (Ages 3-5)
Children attend 4 days/week, 5 hours per day from August through June. Limited Transportation is provided based on need. Locations: Dayton, Dunlap, Whitwell, Jasper, Pikeville, South Pittsburg, Tracy City, and Altamont.
Head Start: Full Day (Ages 3-5)
Children attend 5 days/week, 7 hours per day from August through June. Parents provide transportation. Locations: Dayton, Dunlap, Whitwell, Jasper, Pikeville, South Pittsburg, Tracy City, and Altamont.
Disclaimer:
This website is supported by Grant Numbers 04CH012988 and 04HP000637 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 Sequatchie Valley Educational Development Agency and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
Mission Statement
From cradle to career: inspiring tomorrow’s innovators by allowing children to safely explore their environment today. The mission of SVEDA is to structure equitable learning opportunities for employees, families and children in environments that are inclusive, culturally-sensitive, and trauma-informed. By building responsive relationships in a continuum of care from cradle to career, we nurture the resiliency and unique strengths of the individual to ensure the viability of the community tomorrow.
Comprehensive Services
School Readiness
Our school readiness goals ensure children have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. (That includes the 88 infants and toddlers we also serve!)
Health
Health is the foundation of school readiness. To help children thrive, Head Start staff ensure that children are up to date on immunizations and their state’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) schedule, learn healthy habits and can access the care they need.
Family
Family well-being occurs when all family members are safe, healthy, and have chances for educational advancement and economic mobility.
Community Resources
The collaboration between early childhood staff, families, and community agencies builds positive relationships. These relationships support parents’ progress toward their goals for themselves and their children.
