Lincoln Head Start Child Development Program
Welcome to the Lincoln Head Start Child Development Program, where every child's potential is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated. Operating under Lincoln Total Community Action, Inc., we stand as a beacon of hope and opportunity for families across Lincoln and Union Parishes in Louisiana.
Our mission is beautifully simple yet profoundly impactful: to cultivate a transformative environment that enriches children, families, and staff while emphasizing holistic development, resilience, and confidence. We believe deeply in our core philosophy that "All Children Can Learn" and are guided by our heartfelt motto: "All for the sake of the children."
Comprehensive Services That Make a Difference
At Lincoln Head Start, we serve children ages 3 to 5 years old through our center-based preschool programs, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and success. Our approach goes far beyond traditional education—we provide a comprehensive support system that addresses every aspect of a child's development.
Education Excellence
Structured early childhood education fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth through creative experiences, discovery, and play-based learning.
Health & Wellness
Complete medical and dental care ensuring children are healthy and ready to learn, with ongoing health monitoring and family education.
Nutrition Support
Daily nutritious meals and, plus training for families on healthy eating practices and food security.
Mental Health Care
Emotional support and mental health resources integrated into daily programming to support overall well-being.
Our commitment extends to serving children with special needs, dedicating at least 10% of our enrollment to children with disabilities or developmental delays. We provide safe, reliable transportation to ensure no child misses out on these life-changing opportunities due to transportation barriers.
Four Centers, One Mission
Lincoln Head Start operates four distinct centers strategically located throughout Lincoln and Union Parishes, ensuring families across our rural communities have access to high-quality early childhood education.
01
Lincoln Head Start Center
421 West Vaughn St., Ruston, LA
02
Paul E. Slaton Head Start Center
1435 Mayberry St., Ruston, LA
03
Farmerville Head Start Center
7199 LA-33, Farmerville, LA 71241
04
Union Head Start Center
211 Willow St., Bernice, LA 71222
Under the dedicated leadership of Program Director Angela Taylor, each center maintains the highest standards of care while adapting to the unique needs of their local communities.
Our centers serve as community hubs where families connect, children thrive, and dreams take root. Each location offers the same comprehensive services with convenient hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Empowering Families Through Partnership
At Lincoln Head Start, we understand that parents are a child's first and most important teachers. That's why family engagement isn't just encouraged—it's woven into the very fabric of our program. We believe that when families are strong, children soar.
Policy Council Leadership
Parents serve on our Policy Council, making important decisions about program operations, budgets, and policies. Your voice matters in shaping your child's educational experience.
Classroom Volunteering
Join us in the classroom! Parent volunteers enrich our learning environment while building stronger connections with their children's education and development.
Family Support Services
We provide comprehensive support to help families overcome barriers and achieve their goals, from basic needs assistance to educational resources and job training connections.
Our family-centered approach recognizes that supporting the whole family creates the strongest foundation for children's success. Through workshops, home visits, and community connections, we help families build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
We're proud to offer all our services free of charge to eligible low-income families, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent children from accessing quality early childhood education.
Our Commitment to Excellence
What sets Lincoln Head Start apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of our programming. We don't just meet standards—we strive to exceed them, creating an environment where every child can reach their full potential.
School Readiness Focus
Our structured curriculum emphasizes kindergarten readiness through creative experiences, socialization, arts, discovery, and physical activities that prepare children for academic success.
Inclusive Environment
We celebrate diversity and ensure that every child, regardless of ability or background, receives the individualized support they need to thrive and grow.
Qualified Staff
Our dedicated educators receive ongoing training and professional development to ensure they're equipped with the latest best practices in early childhood education.
We believe that "Every Moment is a Learning Moment!" and approach each day with the understanding that we're not just educating children—we're nurturing future leaders, innovators, and compassionate community members.
Addressing Community Needs
Lincoln Head Start recognizes the unique challenges facing families in rural Louisiana. Many of our families juggle multiple jobs, face transportation barriers, or struggle with limited access to healthcare and educational resources.
That's why we've designed our program to be more than just a preschool. We're a comprehensive support system that addresses the real-world challenges our families face:
  • Free transportation to and from all centers
  • Flexible enrollment processes with online registration options
  • Coordination with local health providers for medical and dental care
  • Connection to community resources and support services
  • Nutritious meals that ensure children are well-fed and ready to learn
Our approach is rooted in the understanding that when we remove barriers and provide comprehensive support, children and families can focus on what matters most—learning, growing, and building a brighter future together.

Growing Together, One Milestone at a Time - This isn't just our motto; it's our promise to every family we serve.
Funding and Sustainability
Lincoln Head Start is proud to be part of the national Head Start network, receiving core funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal investment in our community represents a commitment to breaking cycles of poverty through quality early childhood education.
1
Federal Foundation
Primary funding through the Head Start program ensures program stability and adherence to national quality standards.
2
State Partnerships
Additional support through state programs like the Child Care Food Program enhances our nutrition services.
3
Community Collaboration
Partnerships with local agencies strengthen our ability to provide comprehensive services.
This multi-layered funding approach ensures that we can provide comprehensive, high-quality services without placing financial burden on the families we serve. Every dollar invested in early childhood education yields significant returns—not just for individual children and families, but for our entire community's economic and social well-being.
We're committed to transparent stewardship of these resources, ensuring that every investment directly benefits the children and families in our program while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and effectiveness.
Press Release: Building Bright Futures

For Immediate Release
Contact: Lincoln Head Start Child Development
Phone: (318) 257-6728
Website: www.lincolnheadstartdevelopment.com
Lincoln Head Start Child Development: Building Bright Futures, One Child at a Time
Ruston, LA – Lincoln Head Start Child Development, a program of Lincoln Total Community Action, Inc., proudly announces its ongoing commitment to providing children and families in Lincoln and Union Parishes with the very best start in life. With a mission rooted in the belief that "All Children Can Learn" and guided by the motto "All for the sake of the children," Lincoln Head Start continues to be a leader in early childhood education and family support.
Serving children ages 3–5 years old, the program focuses on comprehensive development—academic, social, emotional, and physical. Through innovative classroom learning, engaging activities, and individualized support, children gain essential skills for kindergarten readiness and lifelong success.
Comprehensive Services and Impact
Education & School Readiness
A structured curriculum that sparks creativity, curiosity, and confidence, preparing children for academic success.
Health & Nutrition Services
Ensuring every child has access to medical, dental, and nutritional support for optimal development.
Family & Community Engagement
Encouraging parents to be active participants through volunteering, Policy Council leadership, and support services.
Inclusive Support
Special services for children with disabilities, affirming that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Transportation Assistance
Safe, reliable transportation to and from learning centers, removing barriers to access.
"Lincoln Head Start is more than a preschool—it is a community of care. We are not only preparing children for school, but also strengthening families and building a brighter future for our communities."
- Angela Taylor, Program Director
With four convenient locations—Ruston (Lincoln Head Start Center), Ruston (Paul E. Slaton Center), Farmerville Head Start Center, and Union Head Start Center in Bernice—families across Northeastern Louisiana have access to high-quality, no-cost early childhood education.
Join Our Community of Care
Enrollment is now open for the upcoming school year, and we invite families to discover the transformative power of quality early childhood education. At Lincoln Head Start, we don't just prepare children for school—we prepare them for life.
Easy Online Registration
Apply conveniently online through our user-friendly application system designed with busy families in mind.
No-Cost Quality Education
All services are provided free of charge to eligible families, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent a child from accessing excellence.
Comprehensive Support
From transportation to meals to family support services, we remove obstacles so children and families can focus on learning and growing.
Ready to Get Started?
Families interested in giving their child the best possible start can learn more and apply online at www.lincolnheadstartdevelopment.com or call (318) 257-6728 to speak with our friendly enrollment team.
About Lincoln Head Start Child Development: Lincoln Head Start is operated by Lincoln Total Community Action, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering low-income families to become self-sufficient through education, resources, and community partnerships. We serve children ages 3–5 with free, high-quality preschool programs that emphasize early learning, health, and family involvement.
Growing Together,
One Milestone at a Time
Together, we're building brighter futures for children, families, and our entire community. Welcome to the Lincoln Head Start family!