Head Start

WHat is head start?

Head Start is a child and family development program for income eligible preschoolers and their families. Children receive a high quality early education opportunity through participation in either our center-based preschool or our home-based option.

  • All children receive a physical, dental, and numerous other health and developmental screenings to assure that the child is healthy and ready to learn.
  • Center-based children attend school four days each week.
  • Transportation is provided to and from the child’s home.
  • Home-based children receive 1 1/2 hour home visits in their home each week. These children come together two to three times each month for play groups and field trips.

Families are assisted in setting goals and referrals to needed social services to assist them in becoming more self-sufficient. Parent groups and family fun nights are provided to allow for time to spend together as a family and discuss issues and topics that affect parenting and family life.

In Montgomery County, Head Start has a CAP Kids Child Care classroom for preschool aged children. This program offers full-day/full-year child care services for ages 3-5.


Parent Resources

Call your local Head Start Center to schedule an appointment to complete an application. View our locations below for contact information. 

DO I QUALIFY?

Family incomes must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. Children must be three prior to August 1 to be eligible for Head Start. Children who turn five on or before August 1 are not eligible for Head Start, as they are eligible for a kindergarten program. The program accepts children with disabilities. 

 

 

Head Start programs are offered through Community Action Program in the following Indiana counties; Benton, Boone, Fountain, Montgomery, Parke, Vermillion, and Warren. Recruitment for families is ongoing throughout the year. Our big recruitment push occurs in the spring.

 

VERIFICATION PROCESS

Families will need to provide income verification for the prior 12 months or calendar year (W2, pay stubs, etc.), copies of the child’s official birth certificate, child’s immunization records, child’s Hoosier Healthwise number (if applicable) and guardianship or name change documentation (if applicable). 


Applications are completed by a staff person by appointment. All children and families are given a rating based on our criteria checklist. Families with the highest scores (indicating the greatest need) are given priority for enrollment. Children are removed from the waiting list as openings become available throughout the program year.

Community & Partner Agency Referral Form

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