Cheaha Regional
Head Start
Free programs designed to promote school readiness and success in life for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and expecting families that meet income eligibility requirements.
Cheaha Regional Head Start helps children get ready to succeed in school - and in life. Services are centered around early learning and development as well as health and wellness and family well-being. Cheaha Regional Head Start operates 15 child development centers and provides high-quality services to more than 700 children and their families in Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Randolph and Talladega counties. Cheaha Regional Head Start is a division of TCR Child Care Corporation and is funded by the Office of Head Start.
Head Start
For children ages 3 to 5
-
Education, health, nutrition and social services to promote the development of the whole child.
-
Medical and dental screenings, nutritious meals and family support services.
-
Parental involvement is a key component, with emphasis on engaging parents in their child’s education.
Early Head Start
For infants 6 weeks up to 3 years
-
An expansion of the Head Start program, specifically designed to cater to the needs of infants and toddlers.
-
Comprehensive support during the crucial early years of a child’s development.
-
Services include early education, health and developmental screenings and family support.
-
Like Head Start, parental involvement is highly encouraged to foster healthy development of the child.
Expecting Families
Prenatal services
-
Part of the Early Head Start program.
-
Early and ongoing education, support and services during and after pregnancy.
-
Access to prenatal and post-partum care for mother and baby.
-
Supportive care for parents after delivery.
-
Full involvement of the father is highly encouraged.
-
Planning for the newborn’s transition to the appropriate Early Head Start location begins when the expecting mom is enrolled.
Eligibility
Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the Federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income) are also eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
Head Start programs may enroll a percentage of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines.
Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.
It is important to contact Cheaha Regional Head Start for more information and guidance.