What can Head Start offer to families?

Head Start offers family support services and the chance for families to participate as full partners in the education of their children. Families can take part in training classes; learn about health and nutrition, child development and the variety of resources in the community. Head Start staff members may refer families needing help with health services, human services employment and other services.

Is my child eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start?

Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care or homeless children are categorically eligible. Children from families receiving public assistance on a consistent basis (TANF or SSI) are also eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of other family income.
Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.
Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.

Is Head Start free?

Yes, Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program for eligible children and their families.

Can I pay for Head Start if I make too much money?

No, Head Start services are not available for a fee.

I have applied for Early Head Start and Head Start every year since my child was born, why is my child still on the waiting list?

Head Start is not a first come first serve program. All applicants are ranked and rated on a waiting list that changes each time an application is added to the waiting list.

What if my income level is higher than the Poverty Guidelines?

Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions described in the section 645 (a)(1)(B)(iii)(II) of the Head Start Act have been met.

What is the difference between Head Start and Voluntary Pre-k (VPK)?

Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive preschool program. Income guidelines and specific selection criteria are used to rank applicants on the program’s waiting list. Head Start serves children who reach ages 3 and 4 on or before September 1 of the applying year. Priority is given to children who are 4 years of age by September 1 of the applying year. Head Start has a limited number of slots and can only serve 696 preschoolers.
VPK is a state funded program for all children who are 4 years of age on or before September 1 of the applying year. Eligibility for this program is determined through the Early Learning Coalition (www.phelc.org) and is available in centers outside of the public school system. It provides 540 instruction hours, typically at 3 hours a day for 180 days. Summer VPK is 300 hours and is available in limited public schools and centers outside of the public school system. Families have the choice to enroll in the 540 hour program or the 300 hour program but not both.
In order for Early Childhood Programs to offer a full day of services for 4 year old children, funding is blended with VPK dollars. However, the Head Start preschool slots are reserved with federal dollars and therefore families must meet the income guidelines and selection criteria.
 

What is the waiting list all about?

Waiting lists for Head Start/Early Head Start are only good for one program (school) year. Families must re-apply for each school year that their child is not age eligible for kindergarten.
Applicants are ranked and rated through selection criteria. Points are assigned for each applicant based on the information gathered through the application process.
Applicants are electronically placed on a waiting list and selected as space becomes available. The program cannot serve more children then it is funded for.
My older child was in Head Start. Does this guarantee that my younger child will automatically get into the program?
No, placement in the program is never guaranteed. One of the goals of Head Start is to help families enhance self-reliance and not continue to qualify for the program.
My friend’s child is 3 years of age and was accepted into the program before my child who is 4?
Several family and program factors are taken into consideration when children are accepted. Each application is evaluated individually based on specific information that is verified at the time of the application.
Does my child have to go to Head Start or a VPK program before kindergarten?
No, neither of these programs is required before kindergarten. In the state of Florida children do not have to legally be in school until age 6.

Where is my child on the waiting list?

Children move up and down on the waiting list because applicants are always being added. Your child’s position on the list can fluctuate daily.

After school starts are there ever openings in the Head Start/Early Head Start programs?

The program is always at full enrollment. If an enrollee leaves the program during the school year then an applicant is selected off of the waiting list.

I think my child may have special needs. How can I find out if he/she does?

Head Start/Early Head Start accepts applications for all children. If a parent/guardian suspects a special need or disability they can contact Child Find through the school district at 813-794-2630. This program may be able to schedule a free screening for your child.

If my child is in a special education program such as TALK or VE does that guarantee acceptance into the program?

No, there is a never a guarantee of being accepted into Head Start/Early Head Start. However, with the proper documentation your child may receive more points on their application.

Does Head Start accept children with disabilities or special needs?

The Head Start Act of 2007 requires that "not less than 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled by each Head Start agency will be children with disabilities who are determined to be eligible for special education and related services, or early intervention services...by the State or local agency providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.)."

What are the other options if my child is ineligible for Head Start?

If you are ineligible for Head Start, the Pasco County Child Care Resource and Referral agency is the Pasco-Hernando Early Learning Coalition. You can visit their website at www.phelc.org or contact them at 1-866-797-9444.

How do I apply for Head Start/Early Head Start?

All families interested in applying for the program must participate in a face to face interview and provide at a minimum proof of birth and income.

When can I apply for Head Start/Early Head Start?

Applications for the program typically begin in March through the end of July. The program must be at full enrollment by the first day of school. Recruitment begins in January and lasts through the summer. The objective is to seek out the most disadvantaged families in Pasco County.

What if I cannot make it to an application day?

The program offers many application day opportunities throughout the county. If you are unable to attend an application event then please email Alexis Russell at arussell@pasco.k12.fl.us and share the reasons why.

How do I find out if my child was accepted?

All families who apply in the spring through the summer are notified by mail during the summer if their child is accepted or wait listed.

Can I transfer my child to Head Start from another county or state?

Head Start is a federal program and is NOT transferrable. All families must apply by having a face to face interview and providing supporting documents for the program. Documentation of being previously served in a Head Start/Early Head Start program is required for additional points.

I do not live in Pasco County but I live closer to a Pasco County school. Can I drive my child to the program?

No, Pasco County Head Start can only serve families that live in Pasco County.

My child is 4 years of age and I applied for the Head Start program. Can I also sign up for VPK?

Yes, these are two different programs with different eligibility requirements.

Why is Head Start not in every elementary school?

The District School Board of Pasco County is a grantee. This means that they receive federal dollars to serve a specific number of children. Since Head Start is low income eligibility program it makes sense to offer it in schools that have a high percentage of children on free lunch.

If my child is accepted into the program will he/she be transported by a school bus?

Transportation is available on a limited basis. Head Start/Early Head Start has very unique transportation requirements from the federal government. Even though a family may be living in the zone of the school that their child is attending, transportation may still not be available.

My child is very advanced for their age. They need to get into school, they are so ready.

Head Start was designed to meet the needs of low income children and their families. It does not matter how “smart” a child may or may not be. Our classrooms consist of 18 children and each of them is learning at their own development level. Therefore, each child is individualized based on their age in years and months.

What are comprehensive services?