Step Forward and Care Alliance Partner to Expand Health Access for Head Start Families

Step Forward is proud to announce a new partnership with Care Alliance Health Center, a collaboration that will bring much-needed health services and Head Start enrollment support under one roof for families in Cuyahoga County.

Starting with a soft launch this summer at select collaborative sites and expanding to a full rollout across our Directly Operated Programs (DOPs) in the 2025–2026 academic year, this partnership is designed to make accessing care and enrolling in Head Start simpler, faster, and less stressful for families.

Through this new model, families will be able to complete required health screenings and documentation for enrollment in one visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments across different locations.

But the impact doesn’t stop there.

Care Alliance offers comprehensive, family-centered care, including medical, dental, and behavioral health services. By providing holistic care in one setting, Step Forward and Care Alliance are working together to remove barriers and support the whole child physically, emotionally, and developmentally.

What makes this partnership even more impactful is Care Alliance’s commitment to becoming a “healthcare home” for the entire family. Their services are available to people of all ages and backgrounds, making it easier for caregivers and siblings to receive care at the same location. To further increase access and convenience, Care Alliance also provides transportation services, helping families overcome one of the biggest challenges to receiving consistent care.

As part of our early outreach efforts, Step Forward staff distributed informational flyers to families at end-of-year celebrations and moving-up ceremonies. Our goal is to ensure families know that this support is coming, and that we’re committed to making access to services as smooth and welcoming as possible.

This partnership is another example of how Step Forward continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our community. Together with Care Alliance, we are working to give every child - and every family - a strong, healthy start.

Step Forward Early Head Start serving children from birth to age 3 and Head Start serving Children ages 3 - 5 is enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year and is FREE for eligible families! Give your child a Head Start and enroll today!

Step Forward Head Start is hiring!

The agency is offering a sign-on bonus of $5,000 for full time employees.

Positions include teachers, family service workers, nutrition aides and more. Step Forward Head Start is looking for education staff passionate about preparing young students for the future and helping them develop a love for learning early. Take a step toward a new fulfilling career today! Learn more and apply to open positions here.