[Return to Top]How can I enroll my child in Head Start?There are several ways to submit an application for your child to enroll in Head Start. You may submit your information online through this website by following this link. You can download an application here, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the application.
[Return to Top]How old does my child have to be to get into Head Start or Early Head Start program? For our Head Start program, the age for enrollment is between 3 and 4 years of age. (If your child will be 3 years by August 1, he/she is also eligible to apply.) For our Early Head Start program, the age for enrollment is from 6 weeks of birth to 2 years old.
[Return to Top]Does my child have to be potty trained? No, Head Start does not require children to be potty trained for enrollment.
[Return to Top]What are the income requirements? How do I know if my family qualifies? Income requirements are set by the federal government and are changed each year. The best way to see if your family qualifies is to submit an application.
[Return to Top]Will my child be able to apply if he/she has a special need?Yes, we welcome children with special needs. Our Special Needs Coordinator will determine the least restrictive environment of learning for your child.
[Return to Top]If the child's biological parents are not in the household, what types of documents are required to enroll her/him in the Head Start or Early Head Start program?Power of Attorney document with the seal, adoption papers, or relevant documents stating that the child is temporarily in your care.
[Return to Top]Do I need to have the enrollment packet by the time of the intake? No, the enrollment packet is not required by the intake appointment. However, without immunization records it will prevent your child from getting a slot.
[Return to Top]I've already applied, what next? If you have already completed and submitted an application there is a process that is called the Application Eligibility Review which determines if your family meets the Federal Income Guidelines and eligibility for the program. The review will also identify which program your child is eligible for. This review involves the following:
- A Intake Worker assigned to your first choice center will contact you to complete the application process.
- A meeting will be arranged with you to verify your family income and your child's birth date. To do this you will need statements of your family income for the past twelve (12) months. You can show this with pay stubs, your W-2 form, a written statement from your employer. Social Security Disability, SSI, TANF. To verify your child's birth date we will need to see a birth certificate or passport.
- During this meeting, the Intake Worker will also take statistical information about you and your family, such as the number of members in your household, your child's ethnicity, etc.
- After completing this review, your child's application will be placed on the appropriate waitlist to await consideration for enrollment into one of our programs that you desired.
[Return to Top]How long will it take for my application to be processed? From the time Head Start receives your application, it takes approximately 1 to 6 weeks to be processed. An Intake Worker will contact you at that time to complete the application process.
[Return to Top]Where is the nearest Head Start or Early Head Start program to my home? There are over 10 Head Start centers located around Marion County and one in Hamilton County. There are only centers that have Early Head Start classes and there are no classrooms available in Hamilton County.
[Return to Top]What are the hours of the Head Start or Early Head Start program? Head Start Session Options: Full Day - Monday to Friday (5 days) 7:30 to 5:30 pm. Half Day Sessions - Monday to Thursday (4 days) Morning Session ( 7:30 to 11:00 am or 8:30 to 12:00 pm) or an Afternoon Sessions (12:15 to 3:45 pm or 1:15 to 4:45 pm). Early Head Start Program Session: Monday to Friday (5 days) from 7:00 am to 5:00pm
[Return to Top]Can I stay in the classroom with my child? Yes, parents are always welcome to volunteer at their child's classroom.
[Return to Top]When does school start and end?School starts after Labor Day and ends on the last day of May.
[Return to Top]Will I need to turn in another application if my child is on the waitlist?No, your child will remain on the waitlist until a vacancy occurs in that center, if you move you will need to contact the Intake Worker for that Center to transfer your child's application to another center without reapplying. If the new school year begins and your child has not entered a classroom, you will need to reapply if your child is 3-4 years old.
[Return to Top]I've met with an Intake Worker, when do I enroll my child?An Intake Worker will contact you to complete an enrollment packet to prepare for your child's enrollment into the program. Part of the enrollment packet will require getting a current physical exam, immunization record, Employment/School Verification (Full Day applicants only) and a dental screening for your child.
[Return to Top]I've completed the enrollment packet when does my child start?Once the packet is completed, you will need to turn in all required documents to the Intake Worker. The Intake Worker will contact you once a slot is available.
[Return to Top]Is there transportation available? Can I ride the bus with my child?Transportation is not guaranteed. Transportation is only available to the Half Day program and is limited to certain Centers. If a child has spot on the bus route the parent can ride with the child if there is space available on the bus. This will be determined by the transportation staff.
[Return to Top]How can my child qualify for a Full Day slot?All parents or legal guardian in the household have to be either in school, working or in a vocational program to qualify for a Full Day slot. The verification documents will be in your packet.
[Return to Top]How can my child qualify for a Half Day slot?All families qualify for half day slots.
