For decades, Head Start has played an important role in shaping early childhood education in the United States. Head Start programs help the most vulnerable children succeed in school and life. Each year, this federally funded program serves nearly one million children from low-income families, providing high-quality learning experiences that foster cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
Head Start programs are at the heart of our work. For over 50 years, Kaplan has proudly supported Head Start programs by providing resources and expertise to help furnish classrooms and design engaging, standards-aligned learning environments. Even amid the uncertainty, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Head Start’s mission. In this article, we highlight the many ways we continue to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs nationwide.
Kaplan’s commitment to Head Start’s mission
Kaplan began as a small toy store called Tiny Town in 1951, offering unique toys and gifts for children and adults. When Head Start launched in 1965, Kaplan's founders, Leon and Renee Kaplan, saw a new opportunity to make a greater impact. This shift embodied their vision to provide developmentally appropriate materials and resources that promote the growth of the whole child—cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Just three years later, they turned their focus to early education, forming Kaplan School Supply, now known as Kaplan Early Learning Company, and solidifying its place as a leader in the early education market.
Today, Head Start programs make up the largest part of our customer base. We’re proud to support the teachers, children, and families who bring these programs to life. From classroom resources to advocacy support, here’s how Kaplan has championed Head Start’s mission for decades:
1. Support programs with their classroom needs
We’re a one-stop shop for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. For years, we’ve provided furniture, learning materials, and training resources to hundreds of Head Start classrooms across the country. Our products and resources align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and are designed to help early learners develop the skills outlined in the framework.
These also include:
- Early childhood curricula, including Connect4LearningⓇ, Learn Every DayⓇ, and All About Preschoolers
- Head-Start applicable trainings that offer certificates for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and approved state training hours
- Assessment tools, like Learning Accomplishment Profile (LAP)™, Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA), and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
Need help shopping for your brand-new Head Start classroom? With an average of 20 years of experience in the educational industry, our dedicated sales representatives understand Head Start requirements and are here to help you find what you need. We've also made shopping easier with classroom lists tailored to every age group, from infants to preschoolers. Each list highlights products and resources that support the five key domains of the Head Start framework. Our goal is to give teachers the tools they need to do what they do best: help young children learn, grow, and thrive.
How much does it take to furnish a Head Start classroom? Explore our complete cost breakdown, covering everything from furniture to learning center manipulatives.
2. Donate to the Dollar Per Child campaign
Head Start’s impact goes beyond the classroom. The NHSA raises money every year to support advocacy efforts on behalf of the children, staff, and communities Head Start serves. Kaplan is a proud Corporate Champion of the NHSA annual fundraising campaign, Dollar Per Child, and we contribute to the initiative each year.
The goal is to raise $1 for every child enrolled in Head Start to support advocacy that shapes policy, secures funding, strengthens programs, and highlights Head Start’s vital role in communities. Join us and pledge your support at https://nhsa.org/dollar-per-child.
3. Attend annual Head Start conferences
Every year, we attend Head Start conferences to listen, learn, and support the professionals shaping children’s futures. While there, we connect with program leaders and educators, share ideas, and learn about the ongoing changes in Head Start and federal policies nationwide. We participate by sponsoring events, showcasing our products, and leading professional learning sessions. These conferences are our chance to stay connected to the Head Start community and support the impactful work happening in classrooms every day.
At the 2025 NHSA Fall Leadership Conference, we hosted “Breakfast and Books” as a kick-off to the event. Each attendee enjoyed breakfast and received a copy of Thinking Outside the Prize Box by Adam Holland, a recent release from Gryphon House. We look forward to making this a tradition and continuing to help leaders build their professional learning libraries year after year.
Explore our Head Start resources for your preschool classroom!
For years, Head Start has helped lay the foundation for children’s learning and development in communities across the country. While significant progress has been made, the work is far from over. We're honored to continue supporting Head Start's mission to make high-quality early learning accessible to every child.
Are you a Head Start program leader or educator? Our Kaplan representatives are here to partner with you to create a preschool classroom where every child can thrive. We’ll work with you to identify the resources you need, explore alternative funding options, and find practical purchasing solutions. We’re here to support your Head Start classroom every step of the way.
