March 07, 2014
Head Start fall registration begins in April
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Head Start program will begin accepting applications April 1 for the fall 2014 session.
The pre-kindergarten program serves children and families in Jackson and Williamson counties at five different sites. In order to participate, children must be at least three years old by Sept. 1, 2014, but not old enough to attend kindergarten. Children with disabilities, foster children and homeless children receive priority enrollment status.
Head Start offers three different program options: weekday mornings, weekday afternoons, or all-day sessions during the week. There is no cost for the partial-day programs. Family eligibility and income determine the charge for the full-day program.
With a change in federal income guidelines, Head Start officials encourage all families with preschool-age children to apply. Free bus transportation is available in designated areas.
A number of enrollment sessions are scheduled at the various program sites in coming weeks. Parents should call in advance for an appointment during one of the scheduled sessions.
The enrollment schedule, with locations and the varying times and dates are:
• Carbondale Center, 1900 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, 618/453-2440 -- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 1 and 17.
• John A. Logan co-location at John A Logan College in Carterville, 618/997-2216, ext. 229, or 618/985-3741, ext. 8241 -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 2 and 9.
• Malone’s co-location, 108 Walnut St., Carterville, 618/997-2216, ext. 229, or 618/985-3366 -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 3 and 8.
• Marion Center, 907 N. Vicksburg St., Marion, 618/997-4255 -- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 3 and 15.
• Murphysboro Center, 9822 Illinois Route 149, Murphysboro, 618/687-4433 -- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 10 and 16.
The enrollment process takes about an hour to complete. Children need not attend, unless registering at a co-location site.
Those who are unable to attend any of the enrollment sessions should call or visit their preferred center as soon as possible to schedule an appointment at an alternate time.
Prior to the beginning of the fall session in August, parents or guardians must submit: a copy of the child’s official birth certificate from the county clerk, not the hospital, proof of income from all sources for the past 12 months, and a copy of the child’s current dental and physical exams, including immunization records, tuberculosis screening, blood lead test and hemoglobin/hematocrit screening. Parents should provide as much of this material as is available at registration.
SIU, with federal funding, directs the Head Start programs for Jackson and Williamson counties. The administrative office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached by calling 618/453-6448.