Who
is Eligible?
Families with children ages birth to five
and pregnant woman who meet Early Head Start & Head Start
income/criteria guildlines. Children who have documented special
needs and/or disabilities are also eligible for our program
regardless of income.
How is my Application
Processed?
Once we receive your enrollment packet and
income verification your information is then recorded in our
computer system. Our computer runs on a program called HSFIS,
which means Head Start Family Information System. This system
compiles your income verification and places you on a list
based on a priority status until a slot opens up in our program.
When a slot becomes open, the program will then ask the computer
for a family who is next on the list based on their need/priority.
What happens when
a slot opens up for my family?
When a slot is open, you will receive a letter
from our program letting you know that your family is next
in line to enroll into our program.
Enrollment
Information
Early Head Start is a year round program.
Applications are accepted throughout the whole program year.
Head Start is full day year round, part day AM & PM, 5
days per week, 9 months per year.
Listed below are a few items you need to
bring that will help get your child’s enrollment complete
and ready to be approved, or put on the waiting list by Policy
Council
Birth Certificate
Physical Exam
Immunization Record
TB shot verification
Child degree of Indian Blood
Social Security Number
Health Insurance Company and Number
Income Verification
What are the “cut
off” dates for my child to be enrolled?
In Early Head Start your child is able to
stay in the program until they have celebrated their 3rd birthday.
After their 3rd birthday, children will be referred to other
program options.
In Head Start children need to be 3 years
of age by December 1st. Your child may attend 2 years, ending
when your child is transitioned into Kindergarten.
Early
Head Start Home Based Program
Families receive Early Head Start services
in the comfort of their own home. Once a week a home visitor
will come into the home for a minimum of 1 ½ hours
and work with the parent and child on activities that will
help stimulate their knowledge and development. Early Head
Start is affiliated with the Parents as Teachers Program and
will use their curriculum in this setting since it is based
on the same model as Early Head Start.
What can I expect
from a home visit?
Your home visitor will work with you and
your child on a number of activities involving child and family
development. Because parents are the child’s primary
teacher, most of our activities will revolve around the home
using everyday household materials. Activities include but
are not limited to: nutrition activities, art projects, videos,
field trips, pamphlets, setting long and short term goals,
and planning for the next home visit.
Please be prepared for the home visit by:
Having your child dressed
Being prepared for your home visitor
Encouraging your child and other family members to participate
Asking other non-family members to come back later
Parent
Involvement
There are many ways in which you can be involved
in your child’s education. Listed below are just a few
ideas in which you can participate in the Early Head Start-Head
Start Family!
Volunteer
Training
Policy Council
Home Visits
Parent Observations
Field Trips
P/T Conferences
Parent Meetings
Parent Socials
Substitute Program
Fundraising
Participate in Child’s class
According to the program’s performance standards of
1304.40, it states that:
1. In addition to involving parents in program
policy-making and operations, grantee and delegate agencies
must provide involvement and education activities that are
responsive to the ongoing and expressed needs of the parents,
both as individuals and as members of a group. Other community
agencies should be encouraged to assist in the planning and
implementing of such programs.
2. Early Head Start and Head Start settings
must be open to parents during all program hours. Parents
must be welcomed as visitors and encouraged to observe children
as often as possible and participate with children in group
activities. The participation of parents in any program activity
must be voluntary, and must not be required as a condition
of the child’s enrollment.
3. Grantee and delegate agencies must provide
parents with opportunities to participate in the programs
as employees or volunteers.
4. Grantee and delegate agencies must provide
opportunities to include parents in the development of the
program’s curriculum and approach to a child’s
development and education.
What
does this all mean for me?
It means that we as a prenatal to five program
are always striving for your involvement in whatever we do.
This is your program and it is specifically designed for you
and your family to help you on your way to self-sufficiency.
What are My Rights
& Responsibilities as an Early Head Start-Head Start Parent?
Your rights & responsibilities include but
are not limited to:
Your right as a parent includes:
Your to have all information given confidential.
Attending Policy Council and other meetings.
Electing a parent to represent you at Policy Council.
Making suggestions/opinions regarding the program.
Receiving information and assistance in obtaining services.
Taking part in monthly trainings offered by our program.
Writing the program manager or director if you are dissatisfied
with anything.
Contributing to the monthly newsletter for center or home
based option.
Home Based Responsibilities (Early Head Start)
To be home when a Home Visitor is scheduled.
To call when you know you won’t be able to make a visit.
To know that you are the first teacher in your child’s
life.
To help plan the activity for the next home visit.
To record weekly In-Kind activities with your child.
To attend and participate in parent meetings/socialization.
That medical, dental and visual exams are completed within
45 days enrollment.
Center Based Responsibilities
All information concerning your child and family is confidential.
We have an open door policy which means you are welcome to
come in at any time to observe or volunteer in your child’s
class.
We welcome all comments or suggestions you might have
Help with lesson plans.
Notify the center if your child will not be attending H.S.
for more than 3 days.
Click
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