Thank you for your interest in the Head Start program. By clicking the button below, you agree that the information you have provided is accurate. We will contact you to set up an registration appointment. Frequently Asked Questions How can I enroll my child in Early Head Start/Head Start Preschool? You may submit your application online or call us at 740-622-9537 to make an appointment. Applications are accepted year around. Applicants are contacted within two to four weeks of completing an application. How old does my child have to be to get into Head Start Preschool or Early Head Start? For Early Head Start: • Pregnant mothers may apply for the program and receive services. • The age for enrollment is from six weeks after birth to two years old for Home base. • The age for enrollment is from 9 months to two years old for Center base. For Head Start: • The age for enrollment is between three and four years of age. • If your child will be three years old by August 1st or if there are still vacant slots children who are 3 by the first day of school may be permitted. Does my child have to be potty trained? No. Head Start does not require children to be potty trained for enrollment. What are the income requirements? How do I know if my family qualifies, based on income? 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. Will my child be able to apply if they have a special need? Yes. We welcome children with special needs. The Itinerant Team assigned from your child’s school district will determine the least restrictive environment of learning based from your child’s IEP or IFSP. If the child’s biological parents are not in the household, what types of documents are required to enroll them in the Head Start Preschool or Early Head Start? A court order, adoption papers or relevant documents stating that the child is in your care. I’ve already applied, what’s next? If you have already completed the 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. This review involves the following: • A Family Advocate will contact you to complete the application process. • A registration appointment will be arranged with you to verify your family income and your child’s birth date. • Statements of family income will be needed. You can show this with bringing a copy of your taxes, pay stubs, a written statement from your employer, SNAP, SSI, an/or TANF. • During this meeting, the Family Advocate will ask 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 submitted for review by the Enrollment manager and then placed on the appropriate wait list to await consideration for enrollment into the desired program. How long will it take for my application to be processed? From the time Head Start receives your application, we start the process immediately. A Family Specialist will contact you at that time to complete the registration. Where are you located? We have three preschool sites: Hilltop (4 classrooms) West Lafayette (1 classroom) and Career Center (1 Classroom). Early Head Start has 4 classroom and is located at the Hilltop Start Only. What are the hours of the Head Start Preschool or Early Head Start? • Head Start and Early Head Start have full day classrooms for parents that work or are in school. • Classes are available Monday through Thursday, with some make up days on Fridays. • Classroom hours are dependent upon needs of families, most classrooms are from 8am-3pm. Can I stay in the classroom with my child? Yes. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to volunteer in their child’s classroom. Parents/Guardians may visit up to 3 times during class hours then a background check is required. Meal Times have unlimited visits. When does school start and end? Head Start classes begin in late August and end in May. Early Head Start goes year around except for a break mid- August. Will I need to turn in another application if my child is on the wait list? No, your child will remain on the wait list until a vacancy occurs in that center. Applications are valid for one year. If you move you will need to contact the Family Specialist to update your information. 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 Family Specialist. The Enrollment Manager who will contact you once a slot is available. Is there transportation available? We are self-transport ONLY My child was accepted. What is next? A teacher will call you to schedule an “Orientation Home Visit”. The orientation will be a home visit so the teacher can meet and greet the child in their environment. The teacher will give you the school calendar, as well as program and classroom information. Part of the enrollment packet will require getting a current physical exam and a dental screening for your child within 30 days of enrollment.