FAQs

Will I qualify for the Early Head Start or Head Start program?

Early Head Start and Head Start are income-based programs but accept applications from all expectant mothers and children birth to five. Applications are based on the needs of the child and family. Eligibility guidelines are as follows:

  • Families that have a gross income (total before taxes and deductions) of less than 100% of the poverty level are eligible.
  • Children in foster care are eligible.
  • Families experiencing homelessness. (See “Am I considered homeless under the “McKinney-Vento Act”)
  • Families with a family member receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • Children or families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families payments (TANF)
  • Children or families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits 
  • Families with a gross income (before taxes and deductions) between 100 and 130% of the poverty level*
    (We can only offer spots to these families once children from the above have been offered a spot.)
  • Families with incomes exceeding 130% of the poverty level*
    (A very limited number of spots may be available each year.)

What do I need to show proof of my income?

You can provide any of the following:

– Proof that the family is receiving SNAP benefits. 

– A Temporary Assistance (TANF) letter or statement.

– An SSI Award letter or statement.

– IRS Individual Income Tax Form 1040 (most recently filed).

– If a family has experienced a dramatic change in income since they filed their Income Tax 1040 form, they may provide the any of following to represent their current financial situation:

  • Pay stubs or envelopes
  • W-2 Forms
  • Employer Letter
  • Unemployment Benefit Documentation
  • Social Security Disability or Survivors Benefits Documentation
  • Veteran’s Benefits
  • Child Support/ Alimony Payments
  • Profit and Loss Statements/ Self-Employment Documentation

– If a family is unable to provide documentation of their household income due to it being cash, undocumented, or because they currently have no income, our staff will work with the family to complete an Income Declaration.
– Families experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act qualify for Head Start. Please see “Am I considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act?”

Does my child need to attend every day?

Consistent attendance in the classroom is important to your child’s development. It supports their successful transition to Kindergarten. Children learn best when they attend school daily, arrive on time, and stay the whole day!

If your child is not able to attend Head Start/Early Head Start, on any given day, whether due to illness, family situation, or another reason, please call the receptionist. If we have not heard from you within 1 hour of arrival time the receptionist will attempt to contact you.

If your child’s attendance falls below 85% your Family Advocate will partner with you to create an attendance plan. Attendance plans will emphasize the benefit of regular attendance while remaining sensitive to family circumstances. The program will work with you to assist you and your child to attend Head Start/Early Head Start daily. Families with an excessive number of absences may result in a child being removed from the program.

Am I considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act?

If you cannot answer “yes” to the questions below, you probably do not meet the definition of homeless.
You may still apply for Early Head Start/Head Start services, with proof of your income, or proof of foster care, or receipt of SSI or TANF.

  • We are staying with friends, family or someone else because we lost our home, or cannot afford a home. We do not pay them for living there, or contribute to the utilities.
  • We move frequently, staying with various friends or relatives because we lost our home, or cannot afford a home. We do not rent/lease/pay for housing.
  • We are staying in a homeless shelter or a domestic violence shelter.
  • We are staying in a motel/hotel because we lost our home, or cannot afford a home.
  • We are staying in a tent, camping trailer, van, car, or other vehicle.
  • We do not have a place to sleep at night.
  • We are living in transitional housing and must move out within two years.
  • We are sleeping in a building or home that is not meant for people to sleep in. (This includes garages, barns, parks, public places, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or condemned houses.)
  • The child I am applying for is living with me (a non-parent relative) due to loss of housing, economic hardship, substance misuse, or incarceration.

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, we will need you to provide the contact information for a third party verification. This can be the relative/ friend you are staying with, or a caseworker. We will not contact this person without your permission.
A SCCDC Staff person will help you complete the questionnaire as part of your application.

My child is in diapers, can they still attend?

Yes