Frequent Questions

What kind of services does your program provide?

The program provides services to low-income children zero–five years of age as described below:

• Center-Based Program provides services in a classroom setting.
• Home-Based Program meets in the family’s home once a week for 1½ hours.  Socialization for parent and child is held twice a month for 3½ hours at a classroom or designated location.  Head Start socializations are conducted on Fridays.  Early Head Start socialization sessions are conducted on designated days (ask your Home Visitor for the day of your socialization).
• Special Needs - Head Start enrolls children with disabilities and special health care needs in collaboration with school districts and other agencies. Ten percent of Head Start’s enrollment slots must be filled with children with a disability certified by the School District or the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP).  All disabilities services are provided by the school districts or by AzEIP.  Children may receive these services in the school district classroom, the Head Start classroom, or in the child’s home.
• Bilingual Staff and volunteers offer guidance and support to children who do not speak English.
• Screenings - Developmental, behavioral, vision and hearing screenings are completed on all children within the first 45 days of entering the program.  Nutrition screenings are also completed.

How can I enroll my child in Head Start?

There are several ways to submit an application for your child to enroll in Head Start. You may come to our main office at 2150 S Country Club drive, Mesa AZ, 85210 and complete an application. Or you may call our office at 480-464-9669 to request an appointment and we will arrange to meet you at a time that is best for you.


Is My Child Eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start?

Children ages three to four years old whose family income is at or below the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for Head Start. 
Children ages Zero to 36 months whose family income is at or below the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for Early Head Start.  Pregnant Women may also be eligible for Early Head Start and Home Base.
Eligibility for Head Start/Early Head Start includes:
o   Families whose income is at or below these guidelines
o   Families providing child’s proof of birth such (Birth Certificate, Passport, Live Birth Certificate (EHS), CPS paperwork)
o   Families providing Proof of Address of residency in East Maricopa County.
o   Families providing Child’s Immunization Record(recommended)

Automatically eligible in HS/EHS includes:
o   Families who are receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI)
o   Families who do not have a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence, or families who share housing due to loss of housing due to economic hardship (HOMELESS)
o   Children in foster care, regardless of family income (FOSTER CHILDREN, usually zero income, we do not count family income)


How old does my child have to be to get into Head Start?

For Head Start, your child must be between 3 and 4 years of age. Not older than 5 yrs old by August 31, 2012.


Does my child has to be potty trained?

No, Head Start does not require children to be potty trained for enrollment.