Enrollment

Requirements & Responsibilities

Head Start is a federally-funded program and we are responsible for making sure we are doing everything we can to help children to grow and do well in school and in life.

In order to achieve these goals, Head Start partners with parents to assure that children receive all required services, and we like to let parents know what to expect in terms of parents’ responsibilities in Head Start.

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requirements & responsibilities

Education, Health & Wellness

Early learning: Head Start is required to provide learning experiences that support children’s development in key areas like language, literacy, and social and emotional skills.

Health Requirements: Up-to-date physical and dental exams for children are a key priority. Head Start has federal requirements around children’s physical and dental exams, and we work with parents to assure that all children are up-to-date on all exams and receive any follow-up health services they need.

Developmental Screenings and Assessment: For children who are not currently enrolled in special education services, Head Start conducts a child development screening during the first forty-five (45) days following enrollment. Parents and Head Start staff work together to determine whether a referral for a more in-depth evaluation is warranted. Your Head Start staff person will talk with you more about how you will play a key role in helping us to understand your child and his/her needs.

assessments

Developmental Screenings

Head Start conducts a child development screening during the first forty-five (45) days following enrollment. Parents and Head Start staff work together to determine whether a referral for a more in-depth evaluation is warranted.

How does Head Start work?

Head Start services for children promote school readiness, and include early education, health, nutrition, mental health, and services for children with special needs. Services for parents promote family engagement, and include parent leadership and social service supports

enrollment

Attendance Matters

Attendance is crucial at Head Start because consistent presence in the program allows children to fully benefit from the early learning experiences, develop essential skills, and build a strong foundation for future academic success, with research showing that frequent absences, particularly chronic absenteeism, can significantly hinder a child’s development in areas like literacy and math, especially for those entering kindergarten with already limited skills; essentially, missing days in Head Start can negatively impact a child’s school readiness and overall learning trajectory.