Is my family eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start?
Pregnant women and families with children ages birth to five are eligible for the program if their total income for the last 12 months falls below the federal poverty guidelines.
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
| 2021 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | |
|---|---|
| PERSONS IN FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD | POVERTY GUIDELINE |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,720 for each additional person. | |
| 1 | $13,590 |
| 2 | $18,310 |
| 3 | $23,030 |
| 4 | $27,750 |
| 5 | $32,470 |
| 6 | $37,190 |
| 7 | $41,190 |
| 8 | $46,630 |
What documents do I need to provide to see if I qualify for Head Start? For Families with more than 8 persons, add $4,720 for each additional person. ( For the second category of eligibility take the new income amount and multiply it by 130.)
Families need to provide a legal form of proof of the child’s age such as a birth certificate and documentation of 12 previous month’s income. Once these documents are verified, families who are age and income eligible will be assigned eligibility points that will help prioritize them on the waitlist for selection for enrollment slots.
What if we are above the income 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 have been met.
Do you provide services for children with disabilities?
Yes, children with disabilities are eligible to receive services in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. 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 and each delegate 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.).”
How do I apply?
You may begin the application process by submitting your information here or by calling (518)793-3624.
After you have submitted your information, a Family Services Worker will contact you to schedule an appointment to complete the application process.
What are the other options if my child is ineligible for Head Start?
If you are ineligible for Head Start, your local child care resource and referral agency (Southern Adirondack Child Care Network) can help you in locating other child care services in your community. Contact them at (518)798-7972 or visit their website at saccn.org.
How can I get involved with Head Start?
Head Start welcomes volunteers. By becoming a volunteer you can help in the classroom and on field trips, assist in renovating centers, and support parent education. For information about volunteering please contact us at (518)793-3624 or through our website.
Are there charges or fees to participate in the Head Start or Early Head Start program?
There are no charges or fees.
