Head Start

Head Start is a Federal program for young children from low-income families.  The children who attend Head Start schools participate in a variety of educational activities.  They also receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting.
 
Early Childhood Education 
Head Start endeavors to help all children succeed.  The NHPS Head Start program works to meet high standards for delivering quality services to children and their families.  Children participate in fun activities while developing positive social skills.  Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. 
 
Family Engagement 
The NHPS Head Start Program offers you a sense of belonging, other support services, and a chance to be involved in activities that will help your whole family.   You can participate in training classes on many subjects—child-rearing, job training, health and nutrition, and free resources in your own community.  Some parents are able to learn the English language; others learn to read.  Head Start also offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining a high school General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or take part in other adult learning opportunities.
 
Head Start staff members refer families needing help to medical, social welfare or employment specialists they know in the community.  And, they will follow up to be sure you receive assistance.
 
You can become a Head Start volunteer and learn more about child development.  This experience may later qualify you for training that can help you find employment in the childcare field.
 
We also invite you to have a voice in the Head Start program by serving on various committees.  Parents’ experiences in Head Start have raised their own self-confidence and improved their ability to make decisions.
 
Health 
Children enrolled in Head Start will be assessed by Head Start Health Staff within the first 45 days of their enrollment.  Staff will complete vision and hearing screenings, as well as height and weight measurements.  During the enrollment process, they will also obtain an accurate health history.  They will be your partner in health throughout your child’s enrollment and will help you to maintain a schedule of preventative medical and dental care.
 
 
Annual Report 
For more information about the Head Start program please
click here to see the Finance and Operations Report
 
 
Registration-Enrollment Information 
 
Who is eligible? 
To be eligible for Head Start, families must be residents of New Haven and have incomes that are below, at or slightly above the federal poverty levels. Children who are 3 and 4 years old are eligible for Head Start services.  Children can attend through their 5th birthday. Children and families who are homeless, in foster care, or receive TANF or SSI are also eligible for services.  Head start welcomes children with disabilities.  We enroll a percentage of children from families with incomes above the poverty guidelines as well.
 
How do students enroll? 
Families enroll through a centralized application process.  Applications available starting in April.  Click  HERE (en Español) for a list of documents needed to register. REGISTRATION IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  To make an appointment call (475)220-1463.  Applications and documents must be reviewed by NHPS personnel. Head Start regulations require a detailed application process which is best accomplished by a personal appointment with a registration staff member. NO APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL ALL  DOCUMENTATION IS COMPLETE. Once all documents are in and registration is complete, families will receive notification of their child's specific school assignment over the summer.  School assignments are based upon student's neighborhood locations and availability. Eligibility requirements do not change based upon site placement. When all Head Start programs are full, students are placed on a waiting list.    
 
Early Childhood Registration Office is located at 103 Hallock Avenue in the old New Horizons School.  Parking is on Hallock Avenue. Directions are as follows:

From I95 South - Take Exit 46 and make a left at the end of the ramp onto Sargent Drive and get in the far right lane. Go to the next traffic light and turn right onto Hallock Ave.  The building will be on your right.

From I-95 North - Take Exit 46 and make a right at the end of the ramp onto Long Wharf Dr.  Continue pass the curve until the traffic light and make a left onto Sargent Drive.  Follow directions of I-95 South.
 
  
Do some students receive priority in the admission process?
Preference is given to lower income and higher need families.  The federal poverty level depends on the number of family members and the area of  the country.  For New Haven, the federal poverty levels are available HERE
 
 
How much will it cost for my child to attend?
Head Start programs are free for all students.
 
Is busing provided?
Busing is provided for some Head Start sites.  Ask the social service worker at the time of your appointment.
 
Do students in Pre-K receive preference for Kindergarten?
Students in Head Start receive preference for their neighborhood school in Kindergarten.