The Guidance Center’s

Specialties

Head Start is a free, quality preschool program for three and four-​year-​old children. This program helps children get ready for kindergarten by teaching them pre-​reading and writing skills as well as how to get along with other children. Classrooms are run by highly trained and credentialed teachers and each day includes healthy meals and snacks. Families must meet income criteria in order to be eligible, although all families are encouraged to apply. The Guidance Center’s Head Start locations are located throughout the Downriver community with full-​day, part-​day and home-​based sessions.

History

Established in 1958.

For 54 years The Guidance Center has been committed to its mission to strengthen families and change lives.

Throughout the last five decades the agency has maintained a collaborative relationship with its local communities and schools to support adults and children experiencing mental health difficulties and other challenges. A group of concerned residents and educators recognized the need for mental health services in our area and joined forces in 1958 to help form The Guidance Center. Since then we have worked as a team to respond to the needs of children, adults and families in southeast Michigan.

The agency operates a wide range of programs and services at 23 locations. Our expertise in mental health and wellness, early childhood education, free preschool for low-​income families, developmental disabilities services and support, mentoring, substance abuse, workforce development, Kids-​TALK, community gardens, and research and evaluation helps more than 26,200 members of our communi