Swimming w/ Head Above Water in *** & Freestyle OK/Safe?

Hello, I'm a new swimmer, who is currently self-teaching myself (while awaiting trained instruction to begin next Tuesday at the local city rec. center). A quick question I have that I have not found good answers for online thus far is whether or not one can safely swim with their head above water (at all times) doing the *** or freestyle strokes? I am aware that "normal" instruction and competitive swimming has the head and/or face in the water at some portions of those respective strokes, but am wondering if there is a safe variation that would allow a head-above-water swim? To be sure, I have seen some in my local rec. pool do the freestyle in that way, but had wondered whether that was just improper form on their part or if there actually is a safe/viable variation like that. I appreciate everyone's time and help and thank you very much in advance for the help!