An Inclusive Kinder-Prep School and Child Development Center

MAAC Project Head Start at Harvest Town

 

Head Start provides free learning and development services to children ages three to five from low income families and / or families with children who have special needs.

 

How Do I Apply for Head Start and Early Head Start?

You must apply to Harvest Town Child Care Center or a Head Start program in your community, closest to where you live. We will provide the required forms and answer your questions. We will also tell you what documents you should bring with you to apply.

 

Click on this link and complete the Interest Application for Harvest Town Child Care MAAC Project Head Start

 

Is My Family Eligible?

In general, eligibility is based on family income at or below the poverty level. Families with other situations including homelessness, and children in foster care, or receiving SSI or TANF also are eligible.

It is very important to contact the Harvest Town Child Care Center to find out about requirements for enrolling your child. Due to limited government funding, there are not enough spaces for all eligible children. If there is not a space for you and your child at this time, ask the program to put your family on the waiting list.

 

What Would Be Your Child's Routine In a Head Start Program?

The following is an excerpt from Give Your Child A Head Start.

 

Q. What would be your child's routine in a Head Start program?

A. Most children who enroll in Head Start attend a half-day center-based program. However, some communities may operate a full-day program or provide Head Start services through a home-based setting. In a home-based program, staff called Home Visitors teach parents how to provide learning experiences for their own children.

Some center-based programs offer children bus rides to and from home.

When the children arrive at the center, they are greeted warmly by their teachers. They put whatever they have brought from home in a place which is their own to use every day.

Classroom time includes many different activities. Some teachers begin the day by asking the children to sit in a circle. This encourages the children to talk about an idea or experience they want to share with others. In some centers, the children plan their activities. They may choose among art, playing with blocks or table toys, science activities, dancing to music, looking at books, or pretend housekeeping. Children can switch activities if they prefer another challenge.

Each day, they have time to work in a small group with other children and to play outdoors on safe playground equipment.

At lunchtime, children receive a nutritious meal and brush their teeth. All the children are taught to wash their hands before meals, and are encouraged to develop good personal and health habits. If they come for an afternoon session, they also receive a healthy snack.

A child’s routine in Head Start may change depending on the setting.