McAllen, Texas – The Hidalgo County Head Start Program is now accepting applications for enrollment for the 2014-2015 school years. The program is holding open registration for the fall, recruiting children from across Hidalgo County, particularly those with disabilities that may benefit from the program.
Head Start is a federally funded program offering early childhood education services, such as school readiness, nutrition, special needs and medical services, to children age’s three to five from low-income families. The program currently serves over 3,680 children at 43 full-day centers located across Hidalgo County.
Parents of children with a diagnosed or suspected disability are encouraged to apply regardless of their family income. Head Start’s commitment of inclusion means that children with special needs learn side-by-side with typically developing peers; classrooms are modified to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities and teachers individualize the curriculum in order to meet the needs of all children. The program assists children with learning, speech, physical and emotional disabilities; creating instructional grouping arrangements, one-on-one teaching and specialized learning environment. As part of the federal requirements, the program must ensure that a minimum of 10% of its enrollment serves children with disabilities.
All children and families are eligible to apply to Head Start regardless of race, sex, color, creed, national origin or disability; however, they must meet federal income guidelines and eligibility requirements.
| Eligibility Requirements | Civil & Medical Record Requirements | Income & Employment Information Requirements |
| Families MUST be Income Eligible. Children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1, 2014. Family SizeIncome 1 $11,670 2 $15,730 3 $19,790 4 $23,850 5 $27,910 6 $31,970 7 $36,030 8 $40,090 * Add $4,060 for each additional family member | In order to complete the Application for Enrollment the following is needed: - Child’s Birth certificate or Baptismal certificate
- Child’s and Supporting Guardians Social Security Numbers
- Medicaid, Chips or Private Insurance Information/Card
- ALL medical information for children with special needs or disabilities
- Court Order – Legal custody for children with non-biological parents or guardians
| In order to complete the Application for Enrollment the following is needed: - 2013 Income Tax Return & Applicable W-2 Statements, 1099’s, Schedule C’s, etc.
- TANF Public Assistance
- Unemployment Benefits
- Worker’s Compensation
- Child Support/Alimony Benefits
- SSI and/or SSA Benefits
- All other sources of Income
- Employer and/or School information
* Income documentation is required for ALL adult members of the household |
To apply for the Head Start Program, please contact the Administration Office’s at 956.383.0706 to fill out an application.