Riverbend Head Start & Family Services

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Riverbend Head Start & Family Services Mission: To empower children and families to develop positive skills to meet life's challenges.

Since 1916, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services has been focused on improving the lives of mothers and children in our community. Now the agency serves the entire family through its Head Start and Early Head Start programs Services are provided at NO COST TO THE FAMILY. We serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and pregnant moms living in Madison County, Illinois. We operate six centers with one in Alton (618.463.5933), one in Bethalto (618.717.0625), one in Collinsville (618.345.9588), one in Edwardsville (618.692.9604) and two in Granite City (North 618.797.1547 or South 618.877.2102). Head Start: Early childhood education program for children ages three to five years old at one of our Head Start centers or in your home. Early Head Start: Home visitors visit pregnant women and families with children under three in their homes each week. To qualify, families must be income eligible, have a child with a diagnosed disability or be involved with the Department of Children and Family Services. To apply you need proof of income for last 12 months and proof of your child's date of birth. Riverbend Head Start & Family Services is a non-profit working to improve the lives of families through our early childhood development program and parenting education. Our mission is simple: to empower children and families to develop positive skills to meet life's challenges. We are committed to preparing your child for kindergarten and so much more. We want your family to be healthy and positioned to succeed in life. This is why we offer the following program services:

Heath
- Physical and dental exams with follow up treatment if necessary
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Prenatal care
- Nutrition education

Education:
- Individual assessments
- Creative play
- Social skill development
- Learn & Play groups
- Field trips
- Age appropriate child activities
- Introduction to words & numbers

Social Services:
- Identify and link families to community resources
- Empower families to set and achieve goals
- Support families in problem solving

Parent Engagement:
- Support child's education at home
- Build confidence
- Develop leadership skills
- Parent meetings and workshops
- Parents as volunteers

Transportation is provided for most center-based activities, all home-based Learn & Play Groups and field trips.

Edwardsville Showcase Day!Thank you to our visitors that came to explore our center. Check out our fantastic pictures of...
10/21/2026

Edwardsville Showcase Day!
Thank you to our visitors that came to explore our center.
Check out our fantastic pictures of our experience!

10/21/2026
10/20/2026

Family Style Dining. Creating memorable meal times together

We just love to see smiling faces! 🙂
10/19/2026

We just love to see smiling faces! 🙂

We use sensory bins everyday at school! 🪣 Sensory bins are a fantastic way to explore new materials, practice math skill...
10/18/2026

We use sensory bins everyday at school! 🪣
Sensory bins are a fantastic way to explore new materials, practice math skills, and engage in scientific observations. 🔬 🧮
Sensory bins can be a small tub or bowl with items to scoop, touch, or manipulate. These experiences can be calming and help children practice self-regulation.

Check out this resource of different types of sensory bins you can create at home! 🏠
https://mcm.org/make-sensory-bins/

Riverbend Head Start is number 1!
10/18/2026

Riverbend Head Start is number 1!

As we transition into fall weather, there will be opportunities to go outside and explore with your child. We have found...
10/17/2026

As we transition into fall weather, there will be opportunities to go outside and explore with your child. We have found a great activity that you can do around your neighborhood while you enjoy this new season!
Check out the Sign Hunt activity. When you're done, send us your pictures! We'd love to feature your Sign Hunts on our page!

Let’s all go on a scavenger hunt to find signs with Phoebe and Jay!

Can you guess what our friends are doing? 🧐
10/16/2026

Can you guess what our friends are doing? 🧐

We have many options in our classrooms for children. There are materials to support any type of learner! It is a wonder...
10/16/2026

We have many options in our classrooms for children. There are materials to support any type of learner!

It is a wonderful experience to watch children engage with learning while they play.

Address

1848 E. Broadway
Alton, IL
62002

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16184635946

Website

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