Head Start & Early Head Start

Head Start

Who Qualifies: The Head Start program (a federally funded program) serves children 3-5 years old, four days a week. Providing early education as well as providing two meals daily ensures student success. Meeting children’s needs (social-emotional, cognitive, physical, medical and social supports) builds a strong foundation for early learners. Preparedness for kindergarten is a primary goal for Head Start students and families. Family Advocates partner with parents to provide support for the entire family, often connecting them to community resources.

Head Start provides a holistic approach for the child. When they come to school they get their early childhood setting, learning, playing and social interaction, but they also get basic needs met by getting two meals while they’re here and a lot of other supports.”

Jennifer Allen, Lead Family Advocate

Benefits: The half-day program is four days a week and includes meals and snacks. School supplies and transportation are provided.

Head Start promotes school readiness by helping students acquire the skills necessary to be successful in school. All areas of development, including cognitive, language, motor and social-emotional, are addressed. Children are enrolled in either the morning session or the afternoon session. Morning students receive and lunch; afternoon students receive lunch and a heavy snack.

Must meet federal income guidelines
Serves families of children 3-5 years old
Half-day program (3 1/2 hours)
Four days a week
Breakfast and Lunch OR Lunch and snack provided
School supplies provided
Limited Transportation provided

For more information call: (816) 841-3382 or go to: https://marcheadstart.org/for-families/apply/

Early Head Start

Who Qualifies: Low-income families with children neonatal to 3 years old who complete a Head Start application process and meet the criteria.

Benefits: Families receive weekly home visits from a Certified Parent Educator/Family Advocate, education about developmentally appropriate learning and activities, and access to local resources and support systems for all family members, such as diapers, books, nutrition, utility and housing assistance, and mental health support.

Cost: Free

Early Head Start serves pregnant mothers and children from birth to 3 years in the Lee’s Summit School District.

Call and schedule your application appointment TODAY with one of our family advocates:

Kelly O'Connor (816) 519-3011

Jessi Walker (816) 845-9677

Head Start and Early Head Start Eligibility Information

Eligibility

Eligibility

The following documents are required to apply:

Proof of birth or proof of pregnancy for each child.
Proof of income (e.g. most current tax return, W-2 or paystubs):
- Proof of 12 months of income
- Proof of child support received for 12 months
- Proof of SSI or TANF if you are currently receiving it or have received it within the past year
- Pell Grants or scholarships information
Proof of residency for Lee's Summit, LSR7 School District. Proof residency can include a utility bill, rental contract or Missouri State property tax receipt with your current address.

Additional items are needed to complete your child's enrollment. If you have these items, please bring them to your scheduled appointment:

Insurance or Medicaid card for your child
Child's current shot/vaccination record
Other items needed:
- Physical exam - within the first 90 days of enrollment
- Dental exam -within the first 90 days of enrollment
- Lead and hemoglobin tests
- Individualized Care Plan for children based on medical needs, e.g. asthmas action plan (if applicable).
- ISFP (Individualized Family Service Plan or IEP (Individualized Education Plan), if applicable.

Enroll

If you are interested in qualifying, please click here to complete our interest form. A representative will contact you to see if you eligible to enroll in our program.