Head Start now recruiting children and families for new school year

The CNMI PSS Head Start Program is currently accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year. Head Start is a federally funded pre-school program that provides comprehensive services to eligible children and families on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Recruitment is ongoing but space is limited so it is important that families apply today.

Who should apply? Families with children ages 3 and 4 including families with children who turn 5 years old after the cutoff age for kindergarten, Sept. 30; families receiving public assistance, such as SSI; families that meet the income guidelines; families with a child who has an IEP; foster care families; a homeless family.

How do I apply? Natural parents or legal guardians need to complete and submit the Head Start application packet. In addition to the application packet, the following documents are needed to apply for Head Start services:

Head Start Program physical exam, dental health record and immunization record forms; School Health Entrance Certificate; proof of all family income such as 1040, W2, two paycheck stubs, statement from employer, or SSI documents; child’s birth certificate; child’s Social Security card; child’s medical insurance coverage; verification of participation in programs such as WIC, NAP, LIHEAP, housing assistance, and/or Medicaid, if applicable; parent(s)/guardian(s) photo identification and visa/immigration document (if applicable); legal documents relating to guardianship or custody; copy of child’s IEP, if your child has a disability.

Applications and information regarding eligibility documentation are available at the Head Start office and centers or by calling 323-7446/7447 to request documents be e-mailed to you.

The Head Start Office is located at 1259 Phonpei Way, Capital Hill and is open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. Head Start Center are in Chalan Kanoa, Chinatown, Dandan, Kagman, Oleai, San Antonio, Tanapag, San Jose (Tinian), Sinapalo, and Songsong (Rota).

Recruitment outreach

The Head Start Program will be conducting a recruitment outreach opportunity on Saipan at the Nutrition Assistance Program office in As Lito during NAP issuance period, June 2 – 6, 2014, from 8am to 11:30am. Program staff will be prepared to distribute and receive applications on site. (Head Start)