Head Start

What is Head Start?

Head Start is a federally funded program for low-income children and children with disabilities, with emphasis on cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and mental development of the child. The overall goal of the Head Start program is to bring about a greater degree of social competence in children of low-income families. The child's entire family, as well as the community, must be involved.

Who qualifies for Head Start?

Children who will be three years old on or before September 1, whose families meet the annual income eligibility guidelines set forth by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth & Families. These children must reside within the county where the Head Start program is operating.

What does Head Start cost?

It is free to all children who meet the eligibility requirements.

What about transportation?

Transportation is not provided in the Seminole and Osceola Head Start programs. Limited transportation is provided in the Orange County Head Start program.

Where are the Head Start locations?

They are located throughout Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. 4C administers the Head Start Program for Osceola and Seminole Counties. Orange County is administered by the Orange County Community Affairs office. For more information on Orange County Head Start please call (407)836-6590.

How large are the classes?

Head Start regulations stipulate no more than 20 children per room, with one teacher for every ten children.

What are the hours?

Centers usually follow the public school schedule. Times vary from a 7:30 am opening to a 3:00 closing.

Do they serve lunch?

Yes. At lunchtime children receive a nutritious family-style meal. All children are taught to wash their hands before meals and brush their teeth after meals, and are encouraged to develop good personal habits. Breakfast is also provided each day as well as nutritious snacks during the day.

How will Head Start benefit my child?

Head Start gives your child a head start in life. It provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Head Start staff members recognize that as parents, you are the first and most important teacher of your children. They welcome your involvement in the Head Start activities, and will work as partners with you to help your child progress.

Head Start staff members offer your child love, acceptance, understanding, and the opportunity to learn and to experience success. Head Start children socialize with others, solve problems, and have other experiences which help them become self-confident. The children also improve their listening and speaking skills. They spend time in stimulating settings where they form good habits and enjoy playing with toys and working on tasks with classmates.Curriculum activities are designed to increase each childs literacy and numeracy skills.

Your child will also be examined by skilled professionals for any health problems. Professionals will arrange vision and hearing tests and any needed immunizations. Head Start offers a nutrition assessment and dental exams as well. Children with health needs receive follow-up services. Mental Health and other services are available for children and families with special needs.Your child will leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten, excited about learning, and ready to succeed.

How will Head Start benefit the parents?

Head Start offers parents the oppertunity to be involved in classroom activities, to participate in parent committee meetings at each site, and share in decision making at monthly Policy Council meetings. Head Start Family Advocates assist parents in setting gaols, furthering their education, and finding needed resources in the community.

What are the teachers' qualifications?

It was a requirement of Head Start nationwide that 50% of its teachers hold an AA degree (or higher) in Early Childhood Development by September 30, 2003. Every teacher must possess a CDA (Certificate Development Associate) Degree or a degree in Early Childhood Education; teacher assistants need at least one year of experience in early childhood environment and must work toward a CDA if they do not possess one.

Where do I register for Head Start?

You may stop by the central Head Start office in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties any day from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It may be best if you call ahead for an appointment so that your registration will be done in a timely manner. Offices are open Monday through Friday. When you come, please bring the following information to complete the application:

• Child's birth certificate
• Proof of county residence (lease, voter registration, deed)
• Proof of Income (4 recent pay stubs, AFDC warrant, Child Support Document or W-2 form)
• Social Security card for the child and yourself
• Food Stamp printout

What is the calendar for Head Start?

Sessions begin in August and end in June. We follow the public school calendar, including holidays. Head Start may have specific training days for Head Start staff only and parents will be notified in advance of any special closings for this reason.

What are the income guidelines for eligibility?

Here are the updated Guidelines...........

Head Start Family Income Guidelines for 2008

2008 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia

Persons in family Poverty guideline 1 $10,400 2 $14,000 3 $17,600 4 $21,200 5 $24,800 6 $28,400 7 $32,000 8 $35,600 For families with more than 8 persons, add $3,600 for each additional person.