Strengthening children, families, and communities through quality education, comprehensive health and family services, and by fostering community partnerships
What is Head Start?
What services does Head Start offer?
How do I enroll my child into the Head Start Program?
How do I enroll my child into the Head Start Program?
In order for your child to be eligible for the Head Start program, you must first meet the income and age guidelines.
Income guidelines are established by the Department of Health and Human Service each year and are classified by the number of family members. The Head Start Performance Standards define family members as all persons living in the same household who are: supported by the income of the parent(s) or guardians(s) of the child enrolling or participating in the program, and related to the parent(s) or guardians(s) by blood, marriage, or adoption. Up to ten percent of Head Start's enrollment can be over the poverty guidelines, however precedence is given to those that are income qualified first. If a child has been found income eligible and is participating in a Head Start program, he or she remains income eligible through that enrollment year and the immediately succeeding enrollment year.
The age eligible guidelines follow the state issued date of public school eligibility (age 3 by October 15 of the current year in Nebraska, September 1 in Kansas). No child will qualify for service if they do not meet the minimum age requirement. Children also must not turn five before the eligibility date unless they have a verified disability and possess an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that states that Head Start is the best placement for the child.
If your child is eligible for the Head Start program, your first step would be to contact the site closest you. When setting up an appointment, the Family Educator or Family Service Assistant will ask you to bring the following documentation to the visit:
- Current Immunization Record (see this website for immunization requirements)
- Birth Certificate of Hospital record with Date of Birth
- Social Security Card for the eligible child
- Proof of Insurance (if any)
- Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) (if applicable)
- Proof of Income for the past 12 months
Failure to bring any of the above documentation can delay the intake process and possible placement of your children into the program.
