Headstart A program for kids

Head Start and Early Head Start

The Head Start / Early Head Start Program provides comprehensive child development services for low income children and families in Miami-Dade County. The program is open to children ages new born through age 5, and provides care and instruction for children in a classroom setting.

To apply: The following items are needed before completing the Head Start/Early Head Start application process:

1. Children must be 3 or 4  years of age on or before September 1, or no more than five (5) years old after September 1. NOW some locations are taking newborns & up!

1. Proof of parent’s/legal guardian gross income for the past 12 months or the last calendar year (2010).  Documents include a signed Income Form Tax 1040, W-2 forms, pay stubs, pay envelopes, Unemployment Compensation,  written statements from employers, or documentation showing current status as recipients of public assistance, Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI), TANF, or Child Support.

1. Picture identification of parent(s)/legal guardian – driver’s license, state issued picture, employer issued I.D.

1. Proof of Dade County Residency.

1. If your child has a diagnosed disability, you must attach the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or the Individualized Family Support Plan or evaluation report (IFSP).  Disabled child are eligible for the Head Start Program on or after their third (3^rd) birth date.

Online application http://www.miamidade.gov/caa/Documents/HeadStart/recruitment/11-12hsappeng.pdf

Once you apply you take your application to a headstart center. Applications are being accepted now for the 2012/2013 school year & space fills up fast, usually by February.

List of headstart centers http://www.miamidade.gov/CAA/Documents/HeadStart/recruitment/hscenters11.pdf

For more information on headstart the website is http://www.miamidade.gov/caa/head_start.asp