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| Does Head Start/Early Head Start serve children with disabilities? |
Yes, Head Start/Early Head Start actively recruits children with special needs/disabilities.
If your child has a diagnosed disability, please inform the HS/EHS staff at time of application and bring along a copy of your child’s most recent IEP or IFSP.
To ensure that Head Start/Early Head Start can best meet the needs of any child with a disability/special need, a meeting will be scheduled with the family, Head Start/Early Head Start staff and any other person/agency involved with the family. back to top |
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| Does my child need to be toilet-trained before acceptance in Head Start or Early Head Start? |
| No, your child does not need to be toilet trained before acceptance into a Head Start or Early Head Start program. Each child’s rate of development is unique and the Head Start/Early Head Start staff respect these differences. Staff will work with you to assist you and your child in this process. back to top |
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| What ages of children does Head Start serve? |
| The Head Start program serves children between the ages of three and five. Children must be three years old by September 15th of each program year to be age eligible for the program back to top |
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| What ages of children does Early Head Start serve? |
| The Early Head Start program serves children birth to three years of age. In addition it provides support for pregnant moms and their families. back to top |
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| What are full day Head Start/Early Head Start services? |
‘Full-day’ means Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms that offer services beyond 3.5 hours/day.
Parent(s) must meet a requirement of 28 hours of working/school/approved activity for child to be eligible for full day Head Start services. Parent(s) who do not meet the minimum requirement of 28 hours of work/school/approved activity will be offered a part day Head Start slot for their child. Early Head Start center-based services (birth to three years old) DO NOT require parent(s) to meet the 28 hours of work/school/approved activity to be eligible for full day EARLY HEAD START services. back to top |
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| Who are considered a child’s “family” when determining income eligibility? |
| The term “family” means all persons living the same household who are either a) supported by the income of the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child enrolling in a Head Start program or b) related to the parent(s) or guardian(s) by blood, marriage, or adoption. back to top |
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| What else is needed for my child to apply for Head Start or Early Head Start? |
In addition to providing all the information needed in a child’s application, parent(s) will need to provide a current copy (within the past year) of the child’s physical, and a current certificate of immunization that is signed by a medical professional before the child can be considered for Head Start/Early Head Start services.
The child’s physical must include the child’s age, weight, height, head circumference (0-24 months), hemoglobin/hematocrit results, blood pressure (3-5 years), lead screen results, and the actual date of the physical.
The child’s certificate of immunization must show that the child has had all immunizations required for the child’s age and it my also have the dates and source of all immunizations. back to top |
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| Why does Head Start/Early Head Start require my child to have all the extra things done at a physical? |
| Assuring regular and complete health care for children is an important part of the Early Head Start/Head Start program. The health component of HS/EHS includes immunizations, physicals, dental check-ups and mental health screenings. Head Start and Early Head Start want to ensure healthy development in all areas of your child’s growth. back to top |
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| How much will full day services in Head Start and Early Head Start cost my family and me? |
| There are no costs or additional fees for your child to be enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start. HS/EHS receive federal, state, and local funding to provide services for children and families. back to top |
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| How are children placed in Head Start classrooms? |
| Head Start and Early Head Start place children based on age and income eligibility and overall child and family need. Children and families are not placed in Head Start or Early Head Start on a first come-first served basis. back to top |
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| Why is Parent Involvement such an important piece of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs? |
Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. Head Start/Early Head Start encourages parents to be actively involved on all levels of their child’s experiences at Head Start/Early Head Start.
Parents are involved in many ways such as volunteering in the classroom, participating on the Head Start Policy Council, sitting on the HACAP Board of Directors, and advocating for children and families in their communities. back to top |
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| What supplies will my child need for Head Start/Early Head Start? |
Head Start/Early Head Start furnishes all the supplies your child will need for the daily experiences and opportunities for healthy growth and development. Healthy snacks and nutritious breakfasts and lunches are served each day.
If your child is not toilet trained, we do ask that you provide diapers for your child, as well as any creams or ointments your child may need during diaper changes. We do ask that each child comes to Head Start/Early Head Start each day in comfortable clothing that is suitable for the weather and for messy play. Shoes should be suitable for running and climbing and should protect the child’s toes. We also ask that each child have an extra set of clothing at Head Start/Early Head Start to be used for spills, accidents or after wet play.
All full day classrooms also have a rest/nap time each afternoon. Resting cots, sheets, and a small blanket are provided for each child. Children are encouraged to bring along a favorite blanket or sleeping toy (i.e. stuffed animal, baby doll) for rest time. back to top |