eligibility

Enrollment Information

Champlain Valley Head Start is a federally funded program which is required to follow eligibility guidelines as determined by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families.

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Eligibility

The two primary criteria are as follows:

Are you an expectant mother or have a child age birth to 5?
Can you provide documentation for at least one of the following?

- Reach Up
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- 3SquaresVT/SNAP Benefits
- Foster Child
- Homelessness
- If none of the above, 12 months family income within 100% of the federal poverty level (a limited number of families up to 130% of federal poverty guidelines can also be served)

Champlain Valley Head Start can enroll a limited number of families who do not meet the conditions listed above. Please submit an interest form to determine if there is an option available for your family!

enrollment

Do you have openings during the school year?

CVHS frequently has openings that occur during the school year. The only way to ensure that your child is considered for an opening is to submit an application so that your child is already on the waitlist.

enrollment

Find the Program for You

Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment FAQs

How much does it cost for my child and family to enroll and participate in CVHS?

All services provided by CVHS are free. CVHS does ask all families to apply for additional funding for which they may be eligible, including state pre-k funds (also known as Act 166 funding) and Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFAP). Families who are not eligible for these funds may still enroll at no cost.
Some services provided by collaborative partner child care centers do have a fee. These fees are not part of CVHS, and are paid directly to the partner childcare centers for non-CVHS services. Families often receive Child Care Financial Assistance (also known as “subsidy”) to help pay these fees.

Click Here for more information about Child Care Financial Assistance/VT Department of Children & Families. Assistance is available for filling out the application for financial assistance/subsidy.

There is no Head Start classroom listed for my town. Are there Head Start programs available for my child and family?

CVHS does not have classrooms in every town. Most of our sites are open to families who live or work in one of the following counties: Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle.

Does CVHS provide transportation?

CVHS does not provide transportation. Head Start staff are available to talk with families about transportation needs and will refer families to resources available in local communities.

When should I submit an application for enrollment?

If applying for next school year (starting in September), then it’s best to submit applications as early in the calendar year as possible.
We also accept applications throughout the year and fill spots as vacancies arise.

When will I be notified that my child/family has been accepted?

Our first round of acceptance is in early spring.
We try to notify families as early as possible.

Do you have a waitlist?

Yes, CVHS maintains a waitlist throughout the year.
Families may choose to have their child on the waitlist for more than one CVHS site/program.
We will contact you if we have a possible opening for your child

My child will be 3 years old in November – can they enroll this year?

For preschool programs: children must be 3 years old by September 1^st of that school year.
For infant/toddler programs: children can enroll up until the child turns 3 years of age

I think my family may be over the income requirements for your program – should I still apply?

Yes! But first, give us a call or email us to learn more.
Or, fill out our interest form to share your contact information with us.
Even if you are determined to be over the income requirements, CVHS is able to enroll a limited number of over-income participants. Please reach out to us!

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Enrollment Information

Champlain Valley Head Start is a federally funded program which is required to follow eligibility guidelines as determined by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families.

Eligibility

Do you have openings during the school year?

Find the Program for You

Enrollment FAQs

Ready to Enroll?