Head Start now enrolling children

    ACAP Child and Family Services is accepting applications for Head Start and will be enrolling children through the spring and summer months.
    Children who will be 3 or 4 years old by October 15 are eligible to enroll. Preference for enrollment is given to children who meet federal income guidelines. However, up to 10 percent of program enrollment can be over-income children. All families are encouraged to apply, regardless of income.
    There is no fee for Head Start services. If a child is enrolled in a full day program and needs child care, a fee is assessed for the child care services.
    ACAP operates nine Child and Family Centers throughout Aroostook County along with a home-based Head Start program option. Head Start, is a preschool education program, emphasizing school readiness, child success and family support.
    Children who attend Head Start work with a variety of materials and learning methods that encourage learning, social and emotional growth, self confidence and improved listening speaking and problem solving skills. Children receive medical, vision, hearing and dental screenings in addition to healthy meals and snacks.
    Children with disabilities are also encouraged to apply to Head Start because the program individualizes activities to meet the needs of all children. In some cases, specialized services such as speech, physical or occupational therapy are offered at the Child and Family Center. At least 10 percent of total program enrollment is available to children with diagnosed disabilities.
    Home-based Head Start is available for families in communities without a Child and Family Center or for families who choose to receive services in the home. The goals of home-based Head Start support parents as children’s primary teachers with skills and activities directed toward school readiness.
    Both part-day and full-day Head Start services are available. For more information, call ACAP Child and Family Services at 764-3045 or 1-800-432-7881.