Congratulations on your selection of Matrix Human Services’ high quality early childhood program! Our programs provide curriculum and learning environments that support children's growth in many areas such as language, literacy, health and wellness, and social and emotional development. Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher, and builds relationships that support family well-being. Learn more by visiting Our Programs page (https://www.matrixhumanservices.org/programs/).
Important notice: The Matrix Head Start Birth to 5 program provides this online application for your ease and convenience. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information when completing the form or it may delay your child’s application. You should expect to hear from us within five working days after submitting the application.
WHAT IS HEAD START? Head Start preschool programs serve primarily 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. This federal program promotes school readiness for low-income children by enhancing their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Matrix Head Start is designed to encourage the healthy development of preschool children through its wide range of services in Detroit.
IS MY CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR HEAD START? If your family is low-income according to federal poverty guidelines, and your child will be 3 years old by December 1st or is currently 4 years old, she or he is eligible for Head Start services.
Children from families receiving public assistance TANF or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and foster children or children from families experiencing homelessness are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
WHAT IS EARLY HEAD START? Early Head Start provides comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers and their families, and to pregnant women and their families. There are 3 program options to meet your family’s need:
- Center Base Program Education and child development services are delivered primarily in classroom settings, which are in an Early Head Start center. Staff members also visit family homes at least twice per year.
- Home Base Program Services are provided through weekly home visits to each enrolled child and family. The home visitor provides child-focused visits that promote the parents' ability to support their child's development. These visits last about an hour and a half each.
- Child Care Partnership Program Provides families with flexible and convenient full-day/full-year services from center-based Child Care Providers as well as Family Child Care Homes.
IS MY CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR EARLY HEAD START? Infants and toddlers up to 2.5 years old whose families meet federal low-income guidelines are eligible to enroll.
Children from families receiving public assistance TANF or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Foster children or children from families experiencing Homelessness are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
IS MY CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR EITHER PROGRAM IF HE/SHE HAS A SPECIAL NEED? Yes, we welcome children with special needs. Dedicated special need staff will ensure that the classroom environment is the least restrictive, developmentally appropriate placement for your child. Matrix Head Start is committed to ensuring that young children with disabilities are afforded the same opportunities for inclusive classroom settings as other students throughout the state. For more information on our services, please contact (313) 285-1905.
I AM PREGNANT. CAN I APPLY FOR MY CHILD NOW? Yes, Early Head Start serves pregnant women and teens. The children of parents served in the prenatal program are given priority for placement in available spots in the Early Head Start program.
Please submit your proof of income for yourself and partner for the current year.
Your current W2, 1040 taxes,
all paystubs for the month prior to today (only if it's a new job),
SSI/SSB/SSA (no later than 30 days old or a picture of direct deposit received with your name on the account),
Employment verification letter (if??self-employed and/or if paid by cash only),
TANF/cash assistance (current letter no later than 30 days old or a picture of direct deposit received be sure you take a picture showing your name on the account),
SNAP/food stamps?(current letter no later than 30 days old or a picture of direct deposit received be sure you take a picture showing your name on the account)
Unemployment, please submit your current 1099 with your award letter
Child support statement (a 12-month history from current month to last year’s month)
If you are unemployed and not receiving any type of income, we will have you complete a separate form when going over your application.?
Be sure to provide the most accurate information upon the first application interview. The initial income information you provide will be the only information used to process your application. Once your application is submitted; an Eligibility Team member will contact you with instructions to upload the required documents and schedule an appointment to review and complete the application for enrollment. Thank you for your time,
Head Start Birth to Five, Matrix Human Services does not unlawfully discriminate against any person on the basis of: race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation or disability. Head Start serves children with disabilities, with income-eligible children taking priority. Completing an application for the program does NOT guarantee enrollment.