Head Start Birth to Five
Head Start Birth to Five
In 2022
Total Enrolled
Families Served
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The Head Start Birth to Five Program provides child care for infants, toddlers, and pre-school age (3 and 4 years old) children. The program promotes the school readiness of children from eligible families by providing a comprehensive program that addresses their cognitive, nutritional, health, social, and emotional needs. Program staff additionally work with parents in determining their needs and support them in achieving their own goals, such as continued education, steady employment, financial security, and housing stability. CACOST strongly believes the parent is the first and most important teacher for children; therefore, each child’s success demands a strong collaboration between the parent, the family and the community.
The Head Start Birth to Five Program has child care centers in Alice, Aransas Pass, Falfurrias, Freer, Gregory, Hebbronville, Kingsville, Mathis, Odem, Orange Grove, Portland, Premont, Rockport, San Diego, Sinton, and Taft.
Expectant Mothers Program
The program is designed to help expectant mothers receive prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum recovery information. Expectant mothers are paired with a home visitor support specialist whom they meet with regularly to help them prepare for motherhood. When the child reaches of age, they are given priority when enrolling in Early Head Start.
Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors
Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors is a 10-lesson parenting curriculum designed by and for parents with children ages 0-5 to promote child school readiness and family well-being. The curriculum is available in Spanish and English and addresses best practices in brain development, early literacy, bilingualism, health, civic engagement, parent leadership, and planning for family success.
Contact Us
The map below shows which cities have a Head Start or Early Head Start center. Click an icon on the map to see the address and phone number for the resource center serving your city. Contact your local resource office to ask about enrolling your child in the Head Start Birth to Five Program.
In 2022
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Counties Served
Services
Tap on the boxes below to read more information about the services provided.
Health
Physical Activity
Nutrition
Dental
Mental Health
Our Services
Health
Staff work closely with parents to ensure a child's medical needs are met. Developmental screenings are provided as well as referrals to treatment and wellness check-ups.
Dental
The program promotes children's oral health by providing teaching staff with daily dental activities, ensuring children are brushing their teeth twice daily and distributing information to the parents.
Mental Health
A mental health professional assists staff and families by providing regular consultations and information on effective behavioral strategies to implement in the classroom and at home.
Nutrition
We work with families to ensure the nutritional needs of each child are met, including those with special dietary needs and disabilities. Children are served breakfast, lunch, and a snack daily.
Physical Activity
CACOST uses the I'm Moving, I'm Learning (IMIL) curriculum as a tool to approach childhood obesity. Children are provided with monthly take-home activities as well as a calendar of activities to be performed daily.
Eligibility Requirements
AGE ELIGIBILITY
INCOME ELIGIBILITY
PRIORITY ELIGIBILITY
- The child to be enrolled is in foster care
- The family is receiving benefits or services through the TANF or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program
- A family member living with and supported by you is receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI)
- The family is homeless
- Children with a disability, including a severe disability Income eligibility requirements for Head Start may be waived, if your child has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or a current Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Eligibility Requirements
AGE ELIGIBILITY
Head Start Program serves children six weeks to five years of age.
INCOME ELIGIBILITY
Head Start services are available if your family meets the Federal Poverty Guidelines To see the HHS webpage for the guidelines – CLICK HERE
PRIORITY ELIGIBILITY
Head Start eligibility is granted, if your family meets any of the following categories:
- The child to be enrolled is in foster care
- The family is receiving benefits or services through the TANF Program
- A family member living with and supported by you is receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI)
- The family is homeless
- Children with a disability, including a severe disability Income eligibility requirements for Head Start may be waived, if your child has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or a current Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Documents Required to Apply
Proof of Income
1040, W2, pay stubs, unemployment documents, statement from employer, TANF or SSI documents
Age
Birth certificate
Proof of Guardianship
If applicable: foster care letter or child protective services documents
Proof of Residency
Bill or statement with your name and address, example: utility bill
Medicaid/ Insurance
If applicable, verification of insurance
Immunizations
Shot record