Apply Online

Welcome to New Directions Early Head Start.

We offer programs for:

Children ages 0–36 months
Expecting parents

Program Options:

Home-Based Program, providing weekly visits in the family’s home:
- Kent County
- New Castle County
Center-Based Childcare, providing full-day, full-year childcare for families in partnership with POC:
- Early Learning Center at the University of Delaware (Newark)
- Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center (Wilmington)
- Neighborhood House Early Learning Center (Wilmington)

Completing as much information as possible will help the intake process move more quickly. If you have documents available, we appreciate you attaching them to the pre-application.

Proof of Residency: Families must reside in New Castle County or Kent County to be eligible for services.
Proof of Age: Only for children applying for services, not siblings.
Proof of Pregnancy: For expecting applicants.
Proof of Eligibility: Please provide documentation for ONE of the following:
- SSI
- TANF
- SNAP
- Earned income (Form 1040, W-2 forms, or pay stubs showing one month of income)

If you are unsure or are unable to upload documents, our intake specialists will reach out to provide support.

First Name (Required)

Last Name (Required)

Birthday (Required)

Gender

Email Address (Required)

Confirm Email Address

It appears that you have previously submitted an application. If you wish to apply again, please contact us by phone or in person.

Mobile Phone

Home Phone

Work Phone

Ext.

It appears that you have previously submitted an application. If you wish to apply again, please contact us by phone or in person.

Race and/or Ethnicity - To specify multiracial and/or multiethnic please check all races and/or ethnicities that apply

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Hispanic or Latino

Middle Eastern or North African

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

White

Prefer not to answer

Lives with Family

Other Language

Highest Grade Completed

Employment Status

Child's Relationship

NDEHS offers services to families living in New Castle and Kent Counties in Delaware.

Is your family experiencing homelessness?

Living Address (Required)

Address Line 2

City (Required)

State (Required)

ZIP (Required)

Click here to find a provider in your area.

Mailing Address same as Living Address

Mailing Address

Address Line 2

City

State

ZIP

Please include a secondary parent, is applicable (father, mother, step-father, etc. living in the home, or at a separate address).

Is there another parent/guardian in the family?

First Name (Required)

Last Name (Required)

Birthday (Required)

Gender

Email Address

Confirm Email Address

It appears that you have previously submitted an application. If you wish to apply again, please contact us by phone or in person.

Mobile Phone

Home Phone

Work Phone

Ext.

It appears that you have previously submitted an application. If you wish to apply again, please contact us by phone or in person.

Race and/or Ethnicity - To specify multiracial and/or multiethnic please check all races and/or ethnicities that apply

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Hispanic or Latino

Middle Eastern or North African

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

White

Prefer not to answer

Lives with Family

Other Language

Highest Grade Completed

Employment Status

Provides Financial Support

Number of Parents/Guardians

Relationship to Participant(s)

Primary Language at Home

Number in Family

Gross Annual Income

Is your family receiving cash benefits or other services under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program?

Is your family receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Is your family receiving services from WIC?

Is your family receiving services under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly referred to as Food Stamps?

Is at least one parent/guardian an active duty member of the United States military?

Is at least one parent/guardian a veteran of the United States military?

Complete this section for the Child applying for early head start services.

First Name (Required)

Last Name (Required)

Suffix

Nickname

Birthday (Required)

Gender

Race and/or Ethnicity - To specify multiracial and/or multiethnic please check all races and/or ethnicities that apply

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Hispanic or Latino

Middle Eastern or North African

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

White

Prefer not to answer

Other Language

Primary Health Coverage

Medicaid Eligibility

Doctor/Medical Home

Dentist/Dental Home

Does your child have a disability or do you have any concerns about your child's development?

Is there anything else you want to tell us about your child?

Which program are you applying for? (Required)

Location Preference

1st Location Preference

2nd Location Preference

3rd Location Preference

- Your Address - Available Locations

Click a location on the map to see more info

Click here to find a provider in your area.

Parent/Guardian

Address

Additional Parent/Guardian

Other Adults

Family Information

Emergency Contacts

Child (Applicant)

Location Preferences

Additional Applicant

Siblings