Frequent Asked Questions

APLLICATION/ENROLLMENT

Q. How can I enroll my child?

A. Contact the Administrative Office at 724-430-4818 ext. 114 or stop in at the administrative office, or a center near you. (See about linking to the locations page) You will need parent/guardian and child's name, living address, phone number and age of child. A staff person will then get in touch with you to complete an application and any other forms you may need.

Q. What documentation will you need to see to determine eligibility?

A. Verification of income for all people living in the house and Birth Certificate for child or children. Also, if there is a Split Custody agreement we will need a copy of that.

Q. What if my family is over income for your program?

A. We are allowed to accept a % of over income children in our program. There is formula that is used and we must ensure the income eligible child is served first.

Q. What health information will be needed after my child is enrolled?

A. Copy of the child's Shot Record; latest physical; latest dental exam; results from the latest Lead/Hemoglobin test.

Q. How much does it cost to send my child?

A. There is no cost for families. We are a federally and State funded program.

Q. Do you only accept children in September (once a year)?

A. Applications are accepted year round. Vacancies are filled when they occur.

Q. My child has been on the waiting list for over a year?

A. We follow a criterion checklist when placing children into the program. Contact the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection and Enrollment Specialist (ERSE) at 724-430-4818 or 1-800-876-2138 Ext. 119.

Q. What are the ages the program accepts?

A. Early Head Start, we serve pregnant mothers through children 3 years old in Home Base activities Head Start, we serve children ages 3-5 in classroom, or home-base.

Q. Does my child have to be potty trained to be enrolled?

A. No, we accept all children.

DISABLE CHILD

Q. What is your definition of a disabled child?

A. We provide services to children with a variety of special needs, such as:

• speech/language impairments
• health impairments
• mental retardation
• orthopedic impairments
• autism
• developmental delays

Head Start/Early Head Start programs are required to make 10% of their enrollment opportunities available to children with disabilities. The program provides services in an inclusive setting where all children learn together and supports, special services, equipment and individualization is provided for all children as needed. For Preschool children we collaborate with the Intermediate Unit #1 to provide the services to the children according to his/her Individualized Education Programs (IEP). For children birth to three, we collaborate with Fayette County Behavioral Health Administrator to provide services to the children according to his/her Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

TRANSPORTATION

Q. Do you provide transportation?

A. Yes; but we cannot guarantee it. We also have a Walker's Policy for those families living near the centers. Upon enrollment, you will be notified of either bus times or you are in the walker's zone.

Q. Can my child be dropped off somewhere different today?

A. It is requires that a 48 hour notice if a bus stop needs to be changed. Contact the Transportation Coordinator at 724-430-4818 ext. 103 or your child's teacher at least 48 hours in advance to arrange the new stop.

CONTACT TEACHER/CLASSROOM

Q. Where can I find the phone number for my child's classroom or Teacher?

A. Please know your child's center and teacher's name. Without the teacher's name and classroom, we can only connect you to the Family Community Partnership staff. If you know the teacher and classroom you can use the "Contact Us" page on our website or call 724-430-4818 for assistance.

Q. I missed a phone call from this number. Can you connect me to that person?

A. There are many people in this office that use that number. I'm sure that person will contact you back.

Q. Can my child bring their own lunch?

A. No. We provide 2 meals to your child depending on the session they are enrolled in. If you have any questions about our meals, please contact our Nutritionist @ 724-430-4818 ext. 220.