Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Office of Early Childhood Programs has begun open enrollment the 2016-17 Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Applications will be accepted through May 10, and families are urged to apply early.
Early Head Start is accepting children ages 2 months to 3 years. Head Start is accepting children, between the ages of 3 and 5. Children must be 3 years old by Sept. 1.
The Head Start/Early Head Start programs are federally funded, comprehensive child development programs serving low-income children and families. Head Start serves preschool-age children and Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers. Children with disabilities are included in the program and receive a full range of developmental services.
Eligibility for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs is based on family income at or below the federal poverty level. Children in foster care and families in other situations, including but not limited to those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or experiencing homelessness, also are eligible. Income eligibility requirements for Head Start/Early Head Start may be waived for children with a current Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a current Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP).
Families can apply by visiting any one of the District’s 34 Head Start/Early Head Start sites. For a list of the participating schools visit the website at headstart.dadeschools.net/pdfs/HS_participating_schools.pdf. For more information, visit earlychildhood.dadeschools.net or call 305-995-7632.
