Rutland County Head Start

08/20/2026

What a Year! 💚

As we wrap up another wonderful year at Rutland County Head Start & Early Head Start, we want to take a moment to say thank you!

Our Summer Program wrapped up last Friday, August 14, and Early Head Start finished yesterday, August 19. Today marks the beginning of our pre-service and training days as our team gets ready for another exciting school year!

To our children and families — thank you for sharing your year with us. We are so grateful for the growth, laughter, learning, curiosity, and countless little moments that made this year so special. 💚

And to our amazing staff — thank you for the creativity, patience, dedication, and heart you bring to our program every single day. We couldn't do what we do without you!

Now, we're looking ahead to a brand-new year! ✨ Our 2026–2027 school year officially begins September 8, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back.

Here's to a wonderful year behind us and an even more exciting one ahead! 🌱

Thank you for being part of the RCHS/EHS family! 💚

08/20/2026

Rutland County Head Start (RCHS), a program within the Rutland Community Programs division of Community Care Network, today announced that it has named Lauren Weiss, Ph.D., as its new Director.

“I am excited for the opportunity to help guide RCHS and ensure that the program continues to serve as a vital resource for our community, as it has for over three decades,” said Weiss. “RCHS plays an essential role in supporting children and families during the earliest and most important years of development. The program is much more than early education – it is a comprehensive system of care that connects learning, health, family partnership and community resources so that children can grow in safe, nurturing environments and families feel supported along the way.”

Read the full story here! https://tinyurl.com/3edtp5zf

08/20/2026

08/05/2026

The My Smile Buddy (MSB) program helps prevent dental decay in children under 6. A My Smile Buddy coach is available to provide remote dental health coaching and free dental supplies for the whole family. Families usually have two sessions to complete the coaching and once completed, receive a $50 Hannaford’s gift card (while supplies last). It just takes a minute to sign up, but the benefits can last a lifetime!

https://conta.cc/4wHgnoc

07/31/2026

✨ We’ll see you at Friday Night Live! ✨

Join us this Friday in Downtown Rutland on Merchants Row for a fun evening in the community! Stop by and visit the Rutland County Head Start & Early Head Start table — we’d love to meet you, say hello, and share more about the programs and services we offer for children and families in our community. 💙

Whether you’re a current family, a future family, a community partner, or just want to learn more about what we do, we’d love to see you!

Come enjoy the evening, explore downtown, and be sure to stop in and visit us! 🌟

07/02/2026

Holiday Closure Reminder!

Rutland County Head Start & Early Head Start will be closed on Friday, July 3, and Monday, July 6 in observance of the holiday weekend.

We hope all of our families have a fun, safe, and relaxing holiday! ❤️🤍💙

We'll see everyone bright and early on Tuesday, July 7! We can't wait to welcome our children back and hear all about their weekend adventures!

07/01/2026

🧺 July Mealtime Memo: Safe Meals for Field Trips! ☀️

July is National Picnic Month, which means it's the perfect time to get outside and explore! Whether you're heading to a local park, museum, or community event, packing and serving meals safely is an important part of a successful field trip.

This month's Mealtime Memo shares helpful reminders on:
🍎 Packing foods safely
🧊 Keeping cold foods at safe temperatures
🧼 Handwashing and food safety on the go
🥪 Field trip-friendly meal and snack ideas
✅ CACFP meal requirements for off-site trips

A little planning goes a long way in making field trips fun, safe, and delicious for everyone!

Take a few minutes to read through this month's memo and keep these tips in mind as summer adventures continue. 🌞🚍

06/25/2026

📚🧤 FREE Giveaway! 🧸❤️

We have a variety of FREE items available for anyone in the community who could use them!

Available items include:
📖 Children's books
🧤 Hats, mittens, scarves, and other winter accessories
🍼 Diapers (various sizes)
👶 A stroller
…and more!

The giveaway is set up in the front hallway downstairs at our Meadow Street location, where our Early Head Start classrooms are located.

📍 Location: Rutland County Head Start – Meadow Street (downstairs front hallway)

Please feel free to stop by during our regular business hours and take what you or your family can use. Everything is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

💙 We hope these items find great new homes in our community!

06/17/2026

🌽🥕 Farm to Family Coupon Distribution Party! 🥦🍅

Looking for fresh, local fruits and vegetables this summer? Stop by the Farm to Family Coupon Distribution Party and see if you qualify for free coupons to use at participating local farmers markets!

📅 Thursday, July 2
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 BROC Community Action
45 Union Street, Rutland, VT 05701

Eligible participants may receive $30 in Farm to Family coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets. Coupons are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early!

To learn more about eligibility, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the Vermont Department for Children and Families website.

🍓 Support local farmers
🥬 Enjoy fresh, healthy foods
🌽 Bring home nutritious produce for your family

Please feel free to share with anyone who may benefit from this opportunity!

🍎💚

06/17/2026

Summer Meal Boxes are Here!
No application. No ID. Kids 18 & under eat free.
Frequently asked questions:
Who can receive a summer meal box?
Summer meal boxes are available to all children 18 years and younger, regardless of income or eligibility status.
What is in a summer meal box?
Each box contains 7 complete, ready-to-eat breakfasts and 7 lunches and a gallon of milk, providing consistent nutrition even when school is out. (see below for menu).
Is there a cost?
No, summer meal boxes are free to all children 18 years and younger.
How often are distributions?
Summer meal boxes will be distributed weekly, beginning Thursday, June 18th, at multiple locations in Rutland City (see times and pick-up locations below) with a final distribution on Thursday, August 20th .
May I pick up a box every week?
Yes, you may pick up one summer meal box per child each week.
Rutland City Locations:
Ocean State Job Lots- 9:00 am- 9:15 am
Security Self Storage- 9:20 am- 9:35 am
Hickory Street Apartments- 9:55 am- 10:1 O am
Meadow Street Park- 10:30 am- 10:45 am
Baxter Street Park- 11:05 am- 11:20 am
BROC Community Action- 11:40 am- 12:40 pm
Pizza Hut- 1:00 pm- 1:15 pm
Be prepared, if walking ... bring a cart for the easiest transport.
For information and updates, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/broc.org/
This institution is an equal opportunity provider