CSI Head Start program believes that parents are to be respected as the primary influence in their children’s lives. They are welcomed into the planning and governance of the program and supported in their efforts to improve the lives of their families.
Family Advocates support families by helping them access community resources. Training is provided for families in areas such as family literacy, early childhood development, school success, budgeting and internet safety, and other topics of interest.
Families are encouraged to participate in a partnership building process with Family Advocates to identify their goals, interests, strengths and needed services. Families are referred to appropriate community resources to help families reach their goals and meet their needs. Families in need of crisis intervention are assisted immediately.
Family Advocates are responsible for recruitment, determining eligibility, and monitoring full enrollment of the Head Start, Early Head Start or the state Pre-K program.
How to Apply:
Head Start:
If you live in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Candler, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce, Toombs, or Ware County and have a child who is three (3) or four (4) years of age by September 1st, contact the Family Advocate in your county or visit the center. Walk ins are welcome, but a preceding phone call could assist with time management and availability of staff. Priority is given to income eligible families, four (4) year olds, and children with special needs.
Early Head Start:
If you live in Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Coffee, Pierce or Ware counties and are pregnant or have a child six weeks to 36 months of age, contact the Family Advocate in your county or visit the center. Walk ins are welcome, but a preceding phone call could assist with time management and availability of staff. Priority is given to income eligible families, pregnant teens, and children with special needs.
State Lottery Funded Pre-K:
If you live in Coffee or Ware counties and have a child who is four by September 1st, contact the Family Advocate in your county or visit the center. There are no income criteria for enrollment fore Pre-K and enrollment is based on a first come, first served basis.
Income Guidelines:
The following income guidelines are for Head Start and Early Head Start programs from HHS Income Poverty Guidelines.
| Family size | Yearly Income | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,890 | $907.50 |
| 2 | $14,710 | $1,225.83 |
| 3 | $18,530 | $1544.17 |
For each additional family member add:
Yearly: $3,820 Monthly: $318.33
CSI Head Start program takes enrollment applications throughout the year. Children are accepted as long as there are vacancies in the program, up until the last sixty (60) days of the program year. A waiting list is maintained to assure that families are served in a timely manner.
Establishing Eligibility:
A family must complete an application to begin the eligibility process. Additionally, the family must have acceptable documented proof of the child’s date of birth and proof of all income for the last 12 months or calendar year.
Priority consideration will be given to current and former enrollees and to low-income families who meet the income guidelines.
