Head Start FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions


Table of Contents

  1. What is Head Start?
  2. Is my child eligible for Head Start?
  3. If my family is over the poverty level guidelines, can my child still enroll in Head Start?
  4. How much does it cost?
  5. What counties do you serve?
  6. Will my child participate in a lunch program?
  7. How can parents be involved?
  8. Can my child be enrolled if he/she has a disability?
  9. What is required for my child to register?
  10. How do I submit an application for Head Start?

What is Head Start?

Head Start is a federally funded program designed for pre-school children from low income families.  The goal of Head Start is to provide children with comprehensive Early Childhood Education and Development services while gaining social competence.  Head Start strongly encourages parents to participate in all aspects of their child’s education and offers support to parents as they identify and meet goals for themselves, their children, and families.

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Is my child eligible for Head Start?

Enrollment is based on age and income.  Children must be 3 yrs old and meet federal income guidelines to attend.

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If my family is over the poverty level guidelines, can my child still enroll in Head Start?

Yes, a small percentage of Head Start slots are available for children whose families exceed the federal income guidelines.

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How much does it cost?

There is no charge to attend Head Start.

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What counties do you serve?

Middle Georgia Community Action Agency, Inc. has 21 Head Start centers in the following 15 counties:  Bleckley, Crawford, Dodge, Houston , Jones, Laurens, Montgomery , Peach, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Twiggs, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Wilkinson.

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Will my child participate in a lunch program?

Yes, children are served breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.  Monthly menus, which follow the nutritional guidelines of the Child and Adult Care Food Program, are posted in the Head Start center.  Appropriate accommodations are made for children with food allergies.

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How can parents be involved?

Parents are encouraged to volunteer and participate in all Head Start components i.e. classroom activities, participating in Head Start trainings, serving on parent committees etc.  In addition each center elects an individual to serve on Policy Council.  Policy Council representatives work in partnership with management staff and the governing board to develop, review, and approve or disapprove key Policies and Procedures within the Head Start program.  It is the job of the Policy Council representative to serve as a link between Parent Committees and the Governing Body.

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Can my child be enrolled if he/she has a disability?

Children with disabilities are given priority in Head Start.  We contract with speech and language specialists, mental health specialist and work closely with disabilities coordinators in our school districts.

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What is required for my child to register?

Head Start requires an up to date immunization record, birth certificate, social security numbers (for all family members), proof of income, and health insurance information.  You may download and print the Head Start application online.

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How do I submit an application for Head Start?

You may call any Head Start center for an appointment to complete the application process.  You may also call the corporate office at (478) 922-4464 and you will be directed to the appropriate personnel.

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Provided by the Head Start Program
Revised: November 30, 2010 .