Frequently asked Questions About Our Program
Q: What is Head Start?
A: Head Start is an education classroom-based program for children ages 3 to 5 years old, who attend a class with 16 other children. There are 18 classrooms located throughout Bradford and Tioga counties. Head Start classrooms operate from the end of August to the beginning of June (school year). Each classroom is 5.5 hours/day, 5 days/week (180 school days). Head Start is designed to work on school readiness skills such as physical, social, emotional and intellectual development skills to prepare them for school.
Q: What is Early Head Start?
A: Early Head Start is a home-based program for pregnant women and children, birth to age 3. Family Partners visit children and families throughout Bradford & Tioga counties. Early Head Start is a year-round program. A Family Partner would come to the home once a week for 90 minutes to work with you & and your child. Early Head Start is designed to enhance children’s physical, social, emotional & intellectual development. (Early Head Start is a PRE-PRESCHOOL)
Q: How much does it cost?
A: All programs are offered at no cost to all families!
Q: How do I apply?
A: The first step to apply is to fill out our referral form. This is basic information staff use to contact you to set up an application. Once staff receive this information they will contact you within thirty (30) days. (If your address or phone number changes please notify us immediately @ 570-638-1400. Staff will make every effort to contact you three (3) times before the referral will be considered void and you would need to call in to complete another referral
Q: I filled out/submitted a referral for my child, now what?
A. Once a referral has been submitted the information will be sent to appropriate staff. Staff will be in touch with you to set up a time to complete an application. If you do not hear from staff within 30 days, please call the Central Office at 570-638-1400 ext. 106, or 570-638-1400 and ask for Caitlyn.
Q: What happens after I complete the application?
A: Once staff has completed an application, the application will be reviewed and processed at Central Office. Once processed, the child will be added to the waitlist. Waitlists are generated by a computer software program that assigns points based on age, income and other factors. Once the application has been waitlisted the parent/guardian will receive a letter in the mail. (Again, if there is an address or phone number change please let us know ASAP)
Q: How long is the waitlist?
A: Waitlists for differ from classroom to classroom and can change daily as applications are completed year round.
Q: How do I know if my child is eligible?
A: Every family is potentially eligible. All families are encouraged to apply as waitlists vary from classroom to classroom. Income only determines WHEN your child will get in, not IF your child will get in. You will never know if you don’t apply!
Q: How will I know if there is an opening?
A: If there is an opening, families are contacted from the waitlist. The next parent/guardian of the child on the waitlist you will receive a phone call from the Family Partner/Family Advocate. Openings are filled within 30 days.
Q: What are the hours for the classrooms?
A:
- Athens 1 - 8:00am-1:45pm
- Athens 2 - 8:00am-1:45pm
- Athens 3 (Lynch-Bustin Elementary School) - 9:45am-3:15pm
- Blossburg 1 - 8:00am-1:45pm
- Blossburg 2 (Blossburg Elementary School) - 8:00am-1:30pm
- Canton 1 - 8:00am-1:45pm
- Canton 2 (Canton Elementary School) - 8:30am-2:00pm
- East Smithfield 1 (SRU Elementary School) - 8:00am-1:30pm
- East Smithfield 2 (SRU Elementary School) - 8:00am-1:30pm
- Elkland 1 - 8:00am-1:45pm
- Elkland 2 - 9:15am-3:00pm
- Mansfield (Warren L. Miller Elementary School) - 9:45am-3:15pm
- Northeast Bradford - 9:45am - 3:15pm
- Rome - 9:30am-3:00pm
- Towanda - 8:00am-1:30pm
- Troy 1 - 8:00am-1:45pm
- Troy 2 - 8:00am-1:45pm
- Wellsboro - 8:00am-1:45pm
- Wyalusing - 8:00am-1:30pm
Q: Do you offer transportation?
A: Transportation is offered to some of the Head Start classrooms. There are designated bus stops, which does not include house-to-house bus stops. Bus stops are developed to accommodate those who need transportation.
Q: Do you offer naptime?
A: A specific naptime is not offered. However, quiet learning is built into the daily schedule to offer the children a “break.” If a child falls asleep during school hours they will be allowed to sleep. Each classroom has a cozy corner where children can spend time by themselves.
Q: Do you offer meals?
A: Yes. Breakfast and lunch is provided in the classroom. Children enrolled in Early Head Start are provided a snack at socialization each month.
Q: Can you bring snacks into the classroom?
A: Food is not allowed to be brought into any classroom or socialization due to allergy and other medical concerns. Breakfast and lunch is provided to all children in all classrooms each day and a snack is provided at every Early Head Start socializations.
Q: What will my child need to attend?
A: Everything your child will need for school will be provided by Program. If you would like to provide a backpack for your child you can, or we can help as well. Backpacks are used to exchange and send home notes, newsletter and other items in the classroom setting. All other materials (pencils, crayons, etc.) are provided.
Q: Do you offer before school and/or after school care?
A: We do not. However, the Family Advocate in your area can assist you in finding other programs that offer before and/or after school care.