Eligibility & Application

Eligibility
The following guidelines are used to qualify a child for Early Head Start and Head Start:

• The child’s age, Kern County residence, family size and income must be verified
• No less than 90 percent of enrolled children must be income eligible based upon Federal guidelines, receiving public assistance, foster placement, or homeless (see the income guidelines chart below)
• Homeless children are prioritized for Early Head Start and Head Start enrollment, in accordance with the 2007 Head Start Act
• No less than 10 percent of enrolled children must have a diagnosed disability and a verified Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) or and Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• The Early Head Start program serves pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and children up to 36 months of age, and their families
• The Head Start program serves three to four-year-old children and their families; and each child’s age eligibility is calculated according to the December 2 Kindergarten eligibility date
• Income Verification—previous 12 months or past calendar year (Individual Income Tax Form 1040, w-2 forms, pay envelopes, written statements from employers, or documentation showing current status as recipients of public assistance (Passport to Services printed within the last 30 days), Social Security Income, State Disability Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation, Child Support, Adoption Assistance)
• Address Verification—Current utility bill, rent receipt, etc.
• Immunization Record—Must be complete or up-to-date
• Medical Insurance Cards—For all members of the family
• Social Security Cards—For all members of the family (If applicable)
• Proof of Birth—(Certified Birth Certificate, Hospital Birth Certificate, Health Department Certificate)
• IEP/IFSP—(if applicable)
• Special Needs Intake Sheet—(if applicable)
• Foster Placement Papers—(if applicable)
   

Application
Click on these links to open the Coversheet and Intake Recruitment Form. You can print the form and then fill it out. The completed form and all supporting documentation can be returned to a center near you or mailed to CEDS main office “Attention ERSEA”.

Checklist/Coversheet
Intake/Recruitment Form (application)


Head Start Income Eligibility Chart



Children in foster care are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start regardless of family income.

Note: Federal regulations allow up to 10% of the Head Start / Early Head Start slots to go to "over income" families. If you do not meet the income requirements and you want your child to go to Head Start, ask if there are any "over income" spaces available.