Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Office of Early Childhood Programs began open enrollment this week for the 2016-2017 Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
The Early Head Start is accepting children ages 2 months to 3 years while the Head Start is accepting children, between the ages of 3 and 5 and children must be 3 years old by September 1, 2016.
The Head Start/Early Head Start programs are federally funded, comprehensive child development programs serving low-income children and families. Head Start serves preschool-age children and Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers. Children with disabilities are included in the program and receive a full range of developmental services.
Eligibility for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs is based on family income at or below the Federal poverty level. Children in foster care and families in other situations, including but not limited to those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or experiencing homelessness, are also eligible.
Income eligibility requirements for the Head Start/Early Head Start may be waived for children with a current Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a current Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP).
Applications will be accepted through May 10, 2016.