About Us
The Head Start Collaboration Office (HSCO) is a state-level office funded by the Office of Head Start (OHS) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In Florida, The HSCO grant is held by the Division of Early Learning and managed through the University of North Florida (UNF).
Its main role is to build partnerships between Head Start programs and other early childhood services in the state. These offices don’t directly run classrooms or programs—instead, they make sure that Head Start and Early Head Start work smoothly with other systems like:
- Childcare programs
- Pre-K and public schools
- Health providers
- Social services
- Early intervention and special education (IDEA Part B & C)
- Workforce development and higher education
The goals of a Head Start Collaboration Office usually include:
- Coordinating resources so children and families get more comprehensive services
- Aligning early learning standards across systems
- Supporting professional development for the early childhood workforce
- Helping families transition smoothly between programs (e.g., from Early Head Start → Head Start → kindergarten)
Every state, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, has one of these offices. They act as a bridge between federal Head Start programs and state/local agencies, ensuring that services for young children are well-coordinated and not siloed.
 Meet the HSCO Director
Kim Singer, M. Ed.
Email: [email protected]
With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Kim Singer serves as the current Director of the Florida Head Start Collaboration Office. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing equity, access, and quality for young children and their families. Beginning as a classroom teacher, she cultivated a deep understanding of child development and the essential role of nurturing, responsive learning environments. She later expanded her impact as an Instructional coach and Professional Development Specialist, guiding educators in best practices, reflective teaching, and continuous improvement. In her current role.
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