Being a parent is one of the most challenging jobs you will face. Whether you are expecting, have a newborn infant, a curious toddler, or a preschooler, getting the support you need is often difficult.
Head Start and Early Head Start give you the encouragement you need. After all, you are your child’s first and most important teacher!
Head Start is a federally funded program that promotes the school readiness of children ages three to five years old from low-income families by supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional development. (Head Start website)
Qualification Snapshot:
- Children 3-5 years old
- Income Guideline: 100% FPG
- Exceptions: Disabled household member or involved with Child in Need of Services (CHINS).
- You do NOT have to be working or in school to qualify.
- Birth Certificate
- Shot Records
- ID for parent
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Appointment required.
- 4-hour class: Morning or afternoon class will depend on address (Most with bus service).
- 7-hour class: No transportation available.
Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program for low-income children ages 3 through 5 and their families. Services provided include education, health, nutrition, parent involvement activities, and community support services for the entire family as well as special services to preschool children with recognized disabilities. Program services are designed to be responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage.
Head Start provides support to the whole family to ensure every child is ready for kindergarten. Families can receive assistance with childcare, utilities, health insurance, medical and dental care, access to early intervention services, and more at no cost through our broad network of community support in each area served.
WHO QUALIFIES for Head Start?
Families with children ages three to five years old who have a household income at or below the 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, children in foster care, families that receive TANF or SSI, or children with a documented learning disability. Although the program is primarily for low-income families, some families with higher incomes may be eligible. Apply below to see if you qualify.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply in person at your local office, by mail, or online. Click this link below to apply online. Click this link for an Espanol application.
Contact Them:
Address: 1609 S Miller Street Shelbyville, IN 46176
Phone: 317-392-1592
Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children’s growth in the following domains:
- Language and literacy
- Cognition and general knowledge
- Physical development and health
- Social and emotional development
- Approaches to learning
What benefits do the programs provide for children?
- Learn to express thoughts and feelings
- Increase self-confidence
- Establish positive relationships with other children
- Develop literacy and math skills
- Healthy meals and snacks
- Health, development, hearing and vision screenings
- School readiness
- Collaboration with other agencies for children with special needs
Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. Head Start programs build relationships with families that support:
- Family well-being and positive parent-child relationships
- Families as learners and lifelong educators
- Family engagement in transitions
- Family connections to peers and community
- Families as advocates and leaders
What services does the program provide to families?
- Connections and referrals to resources in the community
- Financial assistance with health care costs for students needing preventative care or treatment not covered by insurance
- Parent meetings
- Volunteer and training opportunities
- Quality early childhood education and social-emotional support
HOW CAN I HELP?
As a federally funded program, we must provide a local match of 20% of the federal funding. This requirement is met through cash donations, in-kind gifts, and volunteer time. Contributions and volunteering your time are greatly appreciated and can make a difference in your community. If you would like additional information regarding donations, please contact the Head Start nearest you.
Links:
http://consciousdiscipline.com/about/conscious_discipline_for_parents.asp
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.govwww.aap.org
http://main.zerotothree.orgwww.pitc.org
http://www.happiestbaby.comwww.firstcandle.org
http://www.indianaperinatal.org/
