Head Start of Shawnee Mission is an independent not for profit providing a high quality early childhood education and comprehensive family services such as health, mental health, nutrition, services to children with disabilities, social services and parent education.  We began providing services in 1965 to 17 preschool age children and currently serve 218 low income children birth to five and pregnant women. The need for our services continues to grow with the ever increasing number of families living in poverty. Nearly 38,000 Johnson  County residents were living in poverty in 2009 increasing the poverty rate from 2008-2009 by 61%. Living at 100% of poverty means a family of three can make no more that $18,530 and year. We currently have a wait list for our programs nearing 300. What sets us apart from other early childhood programs is our focus on the family as a whole. We are preparing low income children both socially and academically for kindergarten and their parents for future self sufficiency.We receive 70% of our funding from government sources with the remaining revenue from community support. We offer monthly one hour Crayon Box Tours providing guests the opportunity to learn more about our services and see first hand the positive impact we are having on children and families. Contact me at 913-649-9714 if you would like to attend a tour.