Tribal Head Start

St. Croix Tribal Head Start

To care for and educate children in a positive and encouraging learning environment reflecting Ojibwe culture where children and families feel safe and respected. One of the primary goals of Head Start is to prepare children for successful transition into kindergarten.

The St. Croix Tribal Head Start is FREE for eligible families, serves children who are 3 or 4 years old as of September 1st, supports the social, emotional, and developmental growth of children in its care and provides high-quality learning experiences, field tribe, and cultural activities. 

The St. Croix Tribal Head Start serves children living in and around the St. Croix communities (with Native American preference given), welcomes children with special needs and makes every effort to provide transportation to enrolled children.  St. Croix Tribal Head Start provides a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack each day.  The St. Croix Tribal Head Start Teachers provide a minimum of two home visits and two conferences per year with additional times available at the parent’s request. 

Annually the St. Croix Tribal Head Start partners with the St. Croix Tribal Clinic to offer a “Child Health and Wellness Event”, where all children who have applied to Head Start are seen for a Head Start physical and wellness screening (hearing, nutrition, vision, dental, well-child, immunization, etc.)  During this event, any Head Start child, siblings, or other children in the community under 18, may be seen for a full well-child check-up, free of cost.

St. Croix Tribal Head Start
3792 WI-70
Hertel, WI 54845
715-349-8238

Meghan Buhaug
Head Start Director
O: 715-349-2195 x 5246
C: 715-416-3443

Bernice Mixsooke
Administrative Assistant
715-349-2195 x 5242

Polly Imme
Disabilities/Family Service Coordinator
715-349-2195 x 5247

Head Start Transportation/Bus Line
715-349-2195 x 5123

The St. Croix Tribal Head Start program has an active, five-member Policy Council which assists in programmatic decisions, strategic planning, and grant approval.  The St. Croix Tribal Head Start also partners with the seven school districts associated with tribal communities to provide services to children with special needs/Individual Education Plans (IEP) and 4K and kindergarten transitions.

Head Start supports parents as the first and most important teacher of their child.  There are several ways we promote parent engagement in Head Start.  Parents are encouraged to participate in Head Start by joining their child for all or part of a day to explore the classroom, sharing a meal or snack, volunteering with activities, and offering support and guidance to the St. Croix Tribal Head Start program.  Head Start events are planned regularly and provide shared family activities and build connections to community and culture.  Head Start events include monthly Powwows, family nights, fatherhood events, Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, trick-or-treating, and field trips.  Head Start family events often include a speaker or presentation on parenting or cultural subject matter.