Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote school readiness for economically disadvantaged children by enhancing their social and cognitive development through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services. Head Start programs serve children ages 3-5 and their families. Early Head Start programs serve pregnant women and children birth to 3 and their families. The federal Office of Head Start (OHS) provides grants to operate both Head Start and Early Head Start programs directly to public and private agencies in Nevada. Programs engage parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.

The Head Start State Collaboration office is responsible for developing and facilitating statewide partnerships, enhance relationships, builds systems, and promotes comprehensive quality services to meet the needs of young children and their families. The office exists through grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

The Nevada Head Start State Collaboration Director currently works out of the Office of Early Learning and Development. They are currently leading efforts to build a comprehensive system of early childhood services across the state, so all children can enter school ready to learn.

The Office of Head Start has prioritized the work of the HSCO to guide their work. The six priorities include:

1. Partner with State child care systems emphasizing the EHS-CC Partnership Initiatives
2. Work with State efforts to collect data regarding early childhood programs and child outcomes
3. Support the expansion and access of high quality, workforce, and career development opportunities for staff
4. Collaboration with State Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS)
5. Work with State school systems to ensure continuity between Head Start and Kindergarten Entrance Assessment (KEA)
6. Any additional Regional Priorities