Head Start

WELCOME!

Because this is our peak season, processing time is longer than normal.  Current processing time for new student applications is 1 - 2 weeks, depending on the quantity of documents submitted with the application.

Head Start

 Federally funded project that provides an extensive school-year preschool program for children 2.9 - 4 years of age. Family's income must meet Federal poverty level requirements, offers full and part day classes.

 

*There is no cost for qualifying families*

 

Age Requirement: 3 years old on or before September 1st not yet age eligible for Kindergarten.

Children are admitted into the program based on priority using the Head Start Eligibility Criteria.

 

Original Hours:

Full Day Head Start - center-based program for children 2.9 and 4 years old. The full-day hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Hyatt, San Jacinto and De Anza Elementary Sites.

*Note: To be prioritized for full, both parents/guardians must be working (25+ hrs/wk) or in school full time (7+ units)

  

Please download a Head Start Application or come into the front office to pick one up. 

 

2022 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Persons in family/household

Poverty guideline

1

$14,580

2

$19,720

3

$24,860

4

$30,000

5

$35,140

6

$40,280

7

$45,420

8

$50,560

 

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person.

 

https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines

Who We Serve

To be eligible for Head Start, an applicant must be determined age and income or categorically eligible as per the following:

Age Eligibility

  • For Head Start (HS): Child must turn 3 years old by September 1st and not yet age eligible for Kindergarten 
  • Head Start is committed to the inclusion of all children in all classrooms by offering over-income waivers* and reserving 10 percent of its enrollment to children with disabilities.

* Over-income waivers limited to 10 percent of total program enrollment and the child must have a current Individualized Family Services Program (IFSP) for Early Head Start or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Head Start.

Income Eligibility

To qualify based on income, a family’s gross annual income must be at or below the mandated https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines

In addition, over-income waivers are available as noted above for children with an IFSP or IEP.

 

Categorical Eligibility

A family is eligible in any of the following categories, regardless of total gross income:

  • Applicant is placed in 24-hour out-of-home Foster Care
  • Family is receiving ongoing Cash Aid benefits through the CalWORKs program
  • Applicant or family member living with and supported by the child’s Parent(s) or Guardian(s) is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Family is experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
 
Documents Required To Determine Eligibility
  • Applicant’s Birth Certificate or other Age Verification
  • Applicant’s Immunization Records (must be up to date for age)
  • Completed TB Assessment and/or TB Test Results
  • Income Verification (prior 12 months)
  • Proof of legal custody (if the child is in foster care or guardianship)
  • Verification of Benefits (if receiving CalWORKs Cash Aid)
  • Proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI or SSA), if applicable
  • Homelessness verification (if applicable and available)
  • Current IEP (Head Start) or IFSP (Early Head Start), if applicable
  • Full-Time Employment or Full-Time School/Training Verification (to receive full-day prioritization)

 

 
The following is a list of original documentation required to determine family eligibility and placement:

1. Picture I.D. of The Parents/Legal Guardians

2. Birth Date Verification;
  • Original Birth Certificate, 
  • Adoption Papers,
  • Baptismal Record,
  • Hospital Birth Record
  • ALL children in the home (used to determine family size)
 
3. Immunization Record
New Immunizations Regulation effective 7/01/2019
http://eziz.org/assets/docs/IMM-222ChildCare.pdf

4. Proof of Residency

Documentation proving current residency within SJUSD boundaries must be provided at the time of eligibility and placement. Acceptable documentation:

Gas, water, electric, trash bill (NO telephone, cable or bank statements will be accepted), or
Lease agreement or closing escrow papers, or Mortgage statement, or DPSS statement.
The documentation must be dated no later than thirty (30) days prior to registration and must show the parent/guardian’s name and current address in the San Jacinto Unified School District. If acceptable current proof of residency cannot be shown, a Third Party Verification Form will be required. (Form available upon request).

In lieu of utility bill, we will accept a letter of intent for hook-up services from the gas, water, or electric company with escrow or lease agreements.

5. Physical Examination - completed within one year prior to entry into the program. It must also include Hemoglobin (HGB) and Lead with TB Risk Factor Assessment. 
6. Dental Exam - must have been performed within the past 12 months. 
 
7. Medical Insurance Card
 
8. Verification of Income (Please supply all documents that apply, must be current within last 30 days)
  • Pay-stub - (current last recent paystub)
  • Income tax return for previous year 1040A (Self-Employed, Schedule C)
  • Cal-Works or Cal-Fresh Verification of Benefits (if receiving CalWORKs/Cash Aid)
  • Tribal TANF
  • Social Security Benefits (SSI, SSA) 
  • Disability Benefits (UI, VA, Maternity Leave)
  • Employment  Development Department - EDD (Award Letter, Unemployment, Paid Family Leave)
  • Verification of Child Support for ALL children in the home
  • Original Foster, Legal Custody or Court Ordered Paperwork
 
*Additional documentation may be required*
 
*The Enrollment Technician or office Staff will contact you via email or phone call to bring the completed enrollment packet and all required documents*
 
Any other questions or concerns, please contact us at (951) 654-1531.
Our main office is located at 257 S. Grand Army Ave. San Jacinto, CA 92583 (Next door to San Jacinto Elementary) 
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm