Head Start Program

ELIGIBILITY

In order for your child to be eligible for the Head Start/Early Head Start program the income and age guidelines must be met.

The Head Start Program serves children ages 3 years old through 5 years old, while The Early Head Start Program serves infants and toddlers - ages 6 weeks old through 2 years old and pregnant women may be in any trimester are established by the Department of Health and Human Service each year and are classified by the number of family members. The Head Start Performance Standards define family members as all persons living in the same household who are: supported by the income of the parent(s) or guardians(s) of the child enrolling or participating in the program, and related to the parent(s) or guardians(s) by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Enrollment

Up to ten percent of Head Start/Early Head Start enrollment slots are made available for children with diagnosed special needs and up to ten percent of Head Start's enrollment can be over the poverty guidelines; however precedence is given to families that are income qualified first. If a child has been found income eligible and is participating in the Head Start/Early Head Start program, he or she remains income eligible through the enrollment year and the immediately succeeding enrollment year. Families in receipt of Ohio Works First (OWF) cash, SSI, and foster children automatically qualify.

  •  2,132 children and families were served during the 2008/09 school year

    • Head Start:          2,060

    Early Head Start:      72

  • 80.05% was the Average Monthly Attendance as a percentage of funded enrollment.                         
                            (year-to-date average ending May 2009)
  •  Percentage of eligible children served 92% of funded enrollment.

                        (8% of families served exceed income guidelines)

If your child is eligible for the Head Start/Early Head Start program, your first step would be to contact the Central Recruitment and Enrollment Office.

  • Contact Information:
    Centralized Recruitment and Enrollment Office
    670 W. Exchange Street
    Akron, Ohio 44302
    Telephone :     (330) 643-0711
    Fax: (330) 376-2244

    When setting up an appointment date, you will be asked to bring the following documentation:
  •  Proof of Child's Age (i.e., birth certificate, birth record)  

           

  • Proof of household income: (1) If employed, previous year tax return or 1099 form. (2) If unemployed, OWF, SSI, Social Security, Unemployment

               

  • Food Stamp Case Number         

 

  • Proof of Title XX, if applicable

 

  •  Child’s complete Immunization Record (Age-Required DPTs,  Polio, MMR, HIBs, HEP B vaccines)
 
  • Child’s Custody/Guardianship papers, if applicable

         

  • Two (2) emergency telephone numbers (friends or relatives)
  • Child’s Doctor:  Address, fax, and phone number
  • Child’s Dentist:  Address, fax, and phone number

 

  • Insurance/Child’s Health Card