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
• Pe-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)

Learn more about FLHSCO