|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
The Family Services Area is composed of Social Services, Disabilities, and Mental Health
Services. Parent Involvement is the cornerstone of Head Start / Early Head Start. Families also receive
support to facilitate transition into and out of the program. Family Services staff is responsible for
the recruitment of eligible families. Applications are screened according to established criteria. Families
are notified of their eligibility for Head Start / Early Head Start by Family Services Staff. All families
eligible for the program are placed on a rank ordered waiting list. As vacancies occur, they are notified
of the vacancy and offered enrollment in the program.
Eligibility
- Family must meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines or be receiving public assistance.
- Parents must be working (28 hours or more per week), in school/job
training program full time, or be referred by a Social Services Agency
as “high risk” and needing full day services.
Early Head Start
- Child must be six weeks to 24 months old or be an expectant parent
( delivery date in May, June or July ) residing in the designated zip
code areas ( 33510, 33511, 33527, 33563, 33564, 33565, 33566, 33567, 33584,
33594, 33602, 33603, 33604, 33605, 33610, 33619 ).
Head Start
- Child must be 3 by September 1 of the current school year or four years old.
- Children with a diagnosed disability can be enrolled in Head Start on their third birthday.
Child With a Disability
-
Family Services recruits and enrolls eligible children with special needs or diagnosed disabilities.
- Children with disabilities and their families receive the full range of Head
Start / Early Head Start comprehensive services. Family Services staff closely work with teachers and
other community agencies to provide services to meet each child's special needs and those of the family.
Family Services staff also collaborates with school district personnel to ensure appropriate placement
and continued service upon leaving Head Start.
- Mental Health professionals are also available
to assist staff and parents in addressing group or individual needs, or for providing treatment. An overall
Wellness approach is used to improve the physical and mental health of staff, parents, and children.
|
| |
|
Income Guidelines
| 2005 HHS Poverty Guidelines |
| Persons in Family Unit |
48 Contiguous States
and D.C. |
Alaska |
Hawaii |
| 1 |
$ 9,570 |
$11,950 |
$11,010 |
| 2 |
$12,830 |
$16,030 |
$14,760 |
| 3 |
$16,090 |
$20,110 |
$18,510 |
| 4 |
$19,350 |
$24,190 |
$22,260 |
| 5 |
$22,610 |
$28,270 |
$26,010 |
| 6 |
$25,870 |
$32,350 |
$29,760 |
| 7 |
$29,130 |
$36,430 |
$33,510 |
| 8 |
$32,390 |
$40,510 |
$37,260 |
| For each additional person add |
$ 3,260 |
$ 4,080 |
$ 3,750 |
| SOURCE: Federal Register, Vol. 70, No. 33, February 18, 2005, pp. 8373-8375 |
Parent Opportunities / Special Projects
Upon enrollment, families are able to identify their goals, interests, strengths and needed services
through the Family Partnership Agreement Process. Emergency and crisis situations are identified and
handled immediately by the Family Services staff. Families are referred to community resources based
upon their needs/requests. Parents are encouraged to participate in all program activities. They are
recognized as partners and as primary caretakers/teachers of their families. Parents are decision-makers
in Head Start / Early Head Start. They participate on various program committees as well as on the Policy
Council (policy making board of the organization). Additionally, parents are provided training and support
as they prepare to transition throughout Early Head Start and Head Start as well as to Kindergarten.
Contact Family Services to find out about additional ways that parents may become involved. Opportunities
are endless!
Head Start / Early Head Start strives to provide families with many support systems and training opportunities. The special projects listed below facilitate this process by enhancing
parents’ opportunities to become more effective, confident, self-sufficient and involved. For additional information about any of these projects, please contact Head Start/Early
Head Start Family Services.
More...
Family Life
Parent involvement begins at home. Here are some ways to strengthen family life and help your
children be more successful in school.
More...
Why Do Babies Cry?
A newborn (birth to 6 months) cries to let you know he needs something. He/she does not cry to
bug you. He/she is too young to be bad on purpose.
More...
Ten Ways To Be a Better Dad
More...
Health, Nutrition & Early Intervention Services Area
More...
Related Childhood Links
More...
|
|
|
|
