Is my child eligible for Head Start?
Eligibility criteria include:
- Age:
- Early Head Start
- Pregnant women and people who intend to enroll their child(ren) in Head Start
- Children under 3 years of age
- Head Start
- Children ages 3 to 5 years
- Early Head Start
- Income
- Families with incomes at or below the federal poverty level are given priority. A limited number of families whose incomes exceed the guidelines may enroll in the program.
- Categorical Eligibility
- In addition to income, priority is given to certain categorical groups, including foster care and homelessness.
How do I apply? What forms do I need to start the process?
Please visit the Apply webpage for details on the application process.
Can I apply if my child has a special need?
NCCHS is firmly committed to serving children with disabilities. The program reserves a minimum of 10% of the funded enrollment spaces for children with disabilities.
How long will it take to process my application?
From the time the application is completed with all required documentation, it takes approximately one week to process. Please wait at least one week before calling to inquire about the status of an application.
Will I need to turn in another application if my child is on the waiting list?
No, a child will remain on the waiting list until a vacancy occurs in the requested center. If the family moves, a request should be submitted to New Castle County Head Start, Inc. for a different center location. Parents must update their family income information if their child is not enrolled before March, which is the start of the enrollment process for the upcoming year.
What are the hours of the Head Start center-based program?
Head Start offers two options that operate five days a week:
- Part-year
9-month program from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. including breakfast and lunch - Full-year
Twelve-month from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. that includes breakfast, lunch, and snack
Where is the nearest New Castle County Head Start, Inc. center?
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. operates five centers throughout New Castle County. For location information, please find a center near you or call 302-452-1500.
Do I provide meals for my child?
No. NCCHS participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). All meals are provided by the center.
How many meals and snacks will my child receive?
All students receive a full breakfast and lunch daily. Students enrolled in the full-day program will receive an afternoon snack.
Can New Castle County Head Start, Inc. accommodate dietary needs?
Parents must provide a doctor’s note for any food allergies or restrictions and must provide a written document of any special dietary requests, e.g., vegetarian. We do not serve any foods containing pork or peanuts.
When will I find out my child’s teacher/classroom assignment? Can we meet the teacher before the first day of school?
Classroom assignments are distributed to families in August. Classroom visits are scheduled before the start of school, so parents and children have an opportunity to meet with classroom teachers and staff members. Teachers will also make a home visit before children start school in September. In addition, an Open House for parents only is scheduled at each center before the start of school.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
No, potty training is not a requirement for enrollment.
Can I put an application in at more than one location?
No, each child only needs one application. We will transfer that application to your center of choice.
Can my child attend the program less than 5 days per week?
No, classes are held Monday through Friday each week.
