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Head Start Programs Encourage Literacy at a Very Early Age
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with child care.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must:
- be a resident of the State of New Jersey
- be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school
- meet income qualifications
In 2009 families must meet the following income qualifications:
- $10,830 if one person lives in the household
- $14,570 if two people live in the household
- $18,310 if three people live in the household
- $22,050 if four people live in the household
- $25,790 if five people live in the household
- $29,530 if six people live in the household
- $33,270 if seven people live in the household
- $37,010 if eight people live in the household
- $40,750 if more than eight people live in the household
For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
To begin the application process go to the Head Start Locator which provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. This Locator will provide you with the contact information of the Head Start programs nearest you. Once you see the listing of locations click on "More Details" to get the address and phone number of the program of interest.
You may also contact Department of Human Services, Office of Early Care and Education by calling 609-292-4469.
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Need Help? – Dial 2-1-1
You are encouraged to dial “2-1-1” 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need help in understanding and finding available assistance services. Language translation and TTY services are offered to any caller. You can also search our database for services in your local community or Chat Live with an experienced community resource specialist. 2-1-1 will help identify with you the best local resources to fit your individual needs during times of financial distress or for life’s everyday situations. This service is FREE of charge and is supported by local United Ways of New Jersey and NJ state government.
If you know of additional resources that would be appropriate to include in this section, please let us know by contacting us via e-mail at info@nj211.org.
Sources for this page include:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=669
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices
http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits
http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/resources/
Page last modified 7.22.09
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