JUDAH NORTH EARLY LEARNING CENTER
EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS AND FAMILIES FOR SUCCESS
939 - 941 N PULASKI RD CHICAGO, IL 60651
Enrollment Requirements
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Copy of Birth Certificate
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Immunization Records
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Income documentation for the last 12 months which can include: W2, Tax Return, SSI Documentation, TANF Documentation, Child Support Printout, Work One Wage Inquiry, Pay Stubs, Scholarship/Grants/Student Loan Documentation, Foster Care Statement
Program Description
Head Start is a Federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from birth to age five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children's growth in many areas such as language, literacy, and social and emotional development.
Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher. These programs help build relationships with families that support family well-being and many other important areas.
Many Head Start programs also provide Early Head Start, which serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the Federal poverty level.
Program Requirements
Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the Federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
Head Start programs may enroll up to 10 percent of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35 percent of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130 percent of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.
Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I enroll my child in Head Start or Early Head Start program?
A. There are several ways to submit an application for your child to enroll in Head Start. You may call our office to have an application mailed to you or can stop by one of our locations to pick up an application. After you complete the application, you will need to meet with a Family Advocate to complete the application process. If you just want more information, you can complete the inquiry form online and we will reply to your request.
Q.Will I need to complete another application if my child is on the wait list?
A. No, your child will remain on the wait list until a vacancy occurs that is appropriate for your child.
Q. How old does my child have to be to get into Head Start or Early Head Start program?
A. For our Early Head Start program, a pregnant mother may apply within the first 35 weeks of her pregnancy; children birth to 3 years old are eligible. An infant must be 6 weeks old before attending the Center-Based option for Early Head Start. For Head Start, the child must be 3-5 years old.
Q. Does my child have to be potty trained?
A. No, Head Start does not require children to be potty trained.
Q. What are the income requirements? How do I know if my family qualifies?
A. Eligibility is generally based on family income at or below the poverty level according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government. Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are eligible regardless of income.
Q. Will my child be able to apply if he/she has a special need?
A. Yes, we welcome children with special needs.
Q. How can my child qualify for an extended day slot or Early Head Start?
A. All parents or legal guardians in the household have to be either in school, working or in a vocational program to qualify for an extended day class or Early Head Start.
Q. How much does the program cost?
A. Head Start/Early Head Start is free of charge. We do charge on a sliding fee scale for the Head Start extended day classes to cover the “extended” portion of the day, similar to before and after school.
We are open to all children and families regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, and disability.