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Head Start and Early Head Start
The main goal of all Head Start programs is to increase the social competence of children in low-income families and children with disabilities and to significantly improve their chances of success in school.
Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. They engage parents in their children’s learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs. Parents are seen as their children’s first and most important teacher.
Services and Experiences Head Start Programs provide (children 3 to 5 years old)
Education Services
- Nurturing environment that supports each child develop to his or her full potential
- Individualization in teacher lesson planning
- Evidence and research based curriculum
- Inclusion of children with special needs
- Literacy activities for children and parents
Health Services
- Medical, dental, vision, and hearing screening and treatment by local providers
- Nutrition services (meals and counseling when needed)
- Health education
- Mental health screening and referrals
- Assistance in establishing a medical and dental home for the family
Family Services
- Links to community resources
- Family goal setting
- Leadership opportunities through parent policy council involvement
- Parent education programs
- Advocacy skills
- Support during transitions from Head Start to public school
Early Head Start
Early Head Start is a year-round program that provides services for pregnant women and for children from birth through age three and their families. Early Head Start children and their families receive:
- High-quality early childhood education in a warm and nurturing relationship-based environment
- Parent education and involvement
- Health and mental health services, including pre-natal services
- Nutrition education
- Family support services
Income Eligibility
Children are eligible to participate in Head Start if they are from low-income families or if their families are eligible for public assistance. Income eligibility guidelines are established for participation Head Start programs based on the poverty guidelines updated annually by the US Department of Health and Human Services. At least 90 percent of the children enrolled in each Head Start program must be from families who meet federally regulated income guidelines. Up to 10 percent of the enrollment opportunities in each program must be made available to children with disabilities. There are no family fees for Head Start or Early Head Start services. Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded and aim to reach the families with young children who are the most at risk.
| Persons in family | Poverty Guideline |
|---|---|
1 |
$10,890 |
2 |
$14,710 |
3 |
$18,530 |
4 |
$22,350 |
5 |
$26,170 |
6 |
$29,990 |
7 |
$33,810 |
8 |
$37,630 |
For families with more than 8 persons, add $3,820 for each additional person. |
|
The local program you apply to is required to determine your eligibility by having you fill out an eligibility form.
Please notice on the income eligibility forms how eligibility is determined. Be sure to bring proof of your eligibility when you apply to the program. Each program will also have additional registration forms that will help them best meet your needs. If there is a long waiting list for services the program can help you identify other community resources as well.
How to Find a Local Head Start or Early Head Start Program
You can obtain information on applying by contacting a program directly. Find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you.
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