Head Start registration slated for Feb. 21-24 - Applications available at Early Childhood Learning Center

Saturday, 11 February 2012 12:11 From Staff Reports

Sulphur Springs Independent School District will soon be registering 3- and 4-year-olds for the Head Start program.

Parents or guardians can visit Early Childhood Learning Center, 390 North Hillcrest Drive, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 21-24 to fill out an application.

To be eligible, the child must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2012.

The program accepts children with mild, moderate or severe disabilities as determined by individual needs. Head Start also provides a number of services including: certified teachers and assistants, two nutritional meals and a snack per day, full-day educational services, outdoor playground facilities, transportation services, social services, parent involvement activities, speech and hearing evaluations and health/dental screenings, according to Rita Taylor, Head Start family services specialist.

Parents/guardians are asked to bring a number of documents in order to obtain an application packet. An appointment will be scheduled. Parents are then to complete the packet of information completely at home and bring all information and the completed packet to their appointment, which will be scheduled the week of Feb. 27.

The following items, where applicable, should be brought when applying Feb. 21-24:

Proof of household income — bring tax returns, W-2 forms and/or paycheck stubs or letters from employers on official business letterhead with contact information so that 12 months of income can be reviewed. Also, If applicable, provide TANF, Social Security income, child sup-port/alimony, Pell grant, and military documents such as LES/FSSA documentation.

Proof of residency within the school district — this can be an electric, water, gas or other utility bill that includes a physical address proving proof of residency within the boundaries of the school district.

Child’s birth certificate

Child’s Social Security card

Child’s up-to-date immunization record

Current Medicaid, private insurance or CHIP card

Food stamp letter

WIC card

Foster care information

Individualized education plan

Doctor’s notes concerning allergy/health needs

Custodial documents or court orders

Applications will be screened to determine if a child qualifies to participate in the Head Start program during the 2012-2013 school year.

For more information, call ECLC at 903-439-6170.