NADC Head Start takes application all year long. Call your local Head Start center for details.
ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance)
Eligibility:
Any child who is three (3) or four (4) on or before August 1st is eligible for NADC Head Start. Pregnant women and infants 6 weeks to 3 years are eligible for NADC Early Head Start. NADC complies with the Program Performance Standards to inform all families within our five counties about Head Start.
Recruitment:
We take applications all year long. Recruitment for the following August begins in February of each year through advertising on radio, newspapers, cable tv, posters, school notes, referrals from other public agencies and parents telling family and friends about Head Start. We advertise the importance of applying early as children are selected in June. Applications are taken by central office staff throughout the year to ensure we reach family needs.
Selection:
Children are selected on a point system which ensures confidentiality. Parents serving on Policy Council vote on certain criteria for the point system. Children are selected using a computer print-out which lists children’s ID numbers, age, income eligibility, disabilities and the criteria established by NADC. (Families and children names are not listed on the print-out) Those children who are not selected are placed on a waiting list.
Enrollment:
Parents receive a phone call, email or letter notifying them their children have been selected and will be enrolled at a later date. The Family Service Specialist is responsible for maintaining full enrollment throughout the year.
Attendance:
NADC's goal is to maintain 85% attendance throughout the year. Teachers notify central office/Family Service Specialist when children are absent three consecutive days and families haven't called in. The Family Specialist makes contact with the family to work with the parent concerning attendance.
