March 23, 2006

Head Start to take applications beginning April 3

by K.C. Jaehnig

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Head Start, a preschool that bases admission on income, will begin taking applications April 3 for weekday morning, afternoon and all-day programs that start in late August in Carbondale, Carterville, Johnston City, Marion and Murphysboro.

Eligible children should be at least 3 years old by Sept. 1 but not yet old enough for kindergarten. They must have current physicals and immunizations as well as exposure screenings for tuberculosis and lead, and families must provide proof of income.

To enroll, parents may drop by the center nearest them between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Evening enrollment hours vary, according to the following schedule.

Tuesday, April 4

Johnston City Center: 5 to 7 p.m.

901 Prosperity Ave., 618/983-8459

Wednesday, April 5

Murphysboro Center: 5 to 7 p.m.

9822 Highway 149, 618/687-4433

Thursday, April 6

Eurma C. Hayes Child Care Center: 5 to 7 p.m.

441 E. Willow St., Carbondale, 618/453-6448, ext. 229 or 618/457-3302

Marion Center: 5 to 7 p.m.

907 N. Vicksburg, 618/997-4255

Tuesday, April 11

John A. Logan Preschool: 5 to 7 p.m.

Carterville, 618/985-3741, ext. 8241 or 618/997-2216, ext. 229

Wednesday, April 12

Malone’s Preschool: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

108 Walnut St., Carterville, 618/997-2216, ext. 229 or 618/985-3366

Thursday, April 13

Carbondale Center: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

1900 N. Illinois Ave., 618/453-2440

For more information, call the administrative office at 618/453-6448 or 618/997-2216 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale directs the Head Start programs in Jackson and Williamson counties.

Serving others is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.