Click here to download a Head Start application

Can I enroll my child in Head Start?

            Head Start is a federal program.  We are mandated to serve the poorest and most at-risk children in the community.  To determine who is eligible, a number of factors are considered from the information you fill out on the application form.

            To qualify for Head Start, your child must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31^st.

            Early Head Start serves pregnant mothers and children up to 36 months old. 

How much will it cost?

Eligible families include:

·                those with a low-income background (the last 12 month’s income, or the last calendar year)

·                have received TANF sometime over the last 12 months or calendar year

·                are receiving services or benefits through TANF currently,

·                or who have children with special needs

If your family is eligible and accepted into our program, there is no financial cost to you. 

Your contributions include:

·                your participation in your child’s growth and development

·                setting and meeting family goals that support your child’s well-being

·                wanting the best for your child

·                taking care of paperwork and medical appointment needs for your child

·                making sure your child attends Head Start every school day he or she is healthy

·                if you want to, volunteering in your child’s classroom.

What services does Head Start provide?

Our classrooms run for nine months, with a 3 and 1/2 hour classroom, open Mondays through Thursdays. Full-day, full-year Head Start services are available in Mt. Vernon at Skagit Valley Children’s Center as well.

Services include developmental and health screenings, nutritional snacks and meals, educational experiences, and support and referrals for families working to establish and reach their goals.   Our classrooms are developmentally appropriate, based on the needs of the children enrolled and the goals set for them by Head Start and their parents.

Our teacher/child ratio is 1:8 or less if possible.  Each classroom of 18 children is supported by a Center Manager or Teacher, an Assistant Teacher, and a classroom Aide, who spends some time in the classroom and some time preparing and cleaning up after snack or meals.

Parent involvement is very important to us.  Parents participate in various ways including regularly scheduled home visits, parent/family activities, and volunteering, either in the classroom or on parent decision-making committees.

Local school districts provide one-way transportation in most centers.

When will I find out?

Most of our selection for fall enrollment happens in the spring; a few slots remain open for fall enrollment.  Summer applications are reviewed and prioritized in the fall for possible enrollment or placement on a waiting list.  Selection is based on the child’s needs.  Families who apply in the summer will not hear from our program until the second week of September.

How do I apply?

Click here  to print out an application.  Please fill it out completely and mail it to:

Skagit/Islands Head Start

2405 College Way

Mount Vernon WA  98273

What is Early Head Start?

Early Head Start is an integral part of the services provided by Skagit/Islands Head Start, serving families from pregnancy through their child’s third birthday.  We know that a person’s most important growing happens in the first three years of life.  Early Head Start focuses on supporting the family to support the development of infants and toddlers during this crucial time.

Early Head Start provides the following year-round services in Mount Vernon, LaConner, Sedro Woolley, Oak Harbor, Friday Harbor and South Whidbey:

·         Weekly home visits

·         Pregnancy support and prenatal education

·         Developmental screening, assessment, and activities

·         Promotion of positive parenting skills

·         Family support and help in accessing health services

·         Nutrition counseling

·         Connecting with other community agencies and services

·         Parent/Child Activities twice a month and

·         Play group time with other families of infants and toddlers

How much does it cost?

All services are free.  Eligible families include:

·                those with a low-income background (the last 12 month’s income, or the last calendar year),

·                have received TANF sometime over the last 12 months or calendar year,

·                are receiving services or benefits through TANF currently,

·                or who have children with special needs.

How do I apply?

Applications for Early Head Start are accepted year-round, as our enrollment is ongoing.   Applications are reviewed and prioritized regularly for enrollment into available slots, or placement on a waiting list.

Click here  to print out an application.  Please complete it fully and mail it to:

Skagit/Islands Head Start

2405 College Way

Mount Vernon WA  98273