Early Head Start and Head Start

HEAD START and EARLY HEAD START PROGRAM INFORMATION

Now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year!  

CAP’s Early Head Start and Head Start programs are income-based early education programs available to families who live in Scott, Carver, or Dakota county. We are a federally funded program that offers free early education and parent support services for prenatal mothers and children up to age 5. Head Start was started in 1965 by President Johnson to empower low-income families and break the poverty cycle. Over 50 years later Head Start has evolved to be the outstanding, nation-wide program it is today. 

Take a tour of one of our Head Start classrooms!

CAP’s Head Start Program Options: 

  • Early Head Start: Home Visiting Program 

Early Head Start is for children birth to 3 years and expecting mothers. Weekly home visits occur with a Family Educator for approximately 90 minutes. The program is flexible and designed around the needs of your family. Early Head Start is focused on promoting parent/child relationships, setting and achieving goals, early childhood education, parenting skills, health, and safety. Twice a month socialization events are offered as a time to connect with other families in the program and explore events in the community.  

  • Head Start: Center-Based Preschool 

Head Start is a center-based, play-based preschool program for children ages 3-5 that focuses on the whole family. A partnership between teaching staff, family service staff and parents is created to provide the school readiness skills and tools needed for the whole family to be successful. Head Start is a full- day program, and students receive two healthy meals and one healthy snack in the classroom. Head Start does not provide transportation, so families are responsible for dropping- off and picking- up their child each day. 

Other services provided to both programs: 

  • Oral and physical health education and services 
  • Developmentally- appropriate curriculum  
  • Social- emotional education and support 
  • Parent Meetings and Family Fun Events 
  • One on one social service visits providing resources and referrals as needed 
  • Support for children with medical or developmental needs are welcomed and supported 

GETTING STARTED

Eligibility

Early Head Start and Head Start’s goal is to serve families in our communities with the highest need. Families are automatically eligible for our program if they meet at least one of the following criteria below. Enrollment is not guaranteed regardless of how you qualify.  

  • Receiving Public Assistance (MFIP cash assistance, SNAP, or SSI). 
  • Experiencing Homelessness 
  • Current foster family of the child you are applying for. 
  • Living at or below the current Federal Poverty level (100% or below). See income guidelines below. 

** There are a few over-income spots available for families that fall within the 100%-130% income range. 

Household Size 

100% Annual Income 

130% Annual Income 

2 

$ $19,720

$ 25,636

3 

$ 24,860

$ 32,318

4 

$ 30,000

$ 39,000

5 

$35,140 

$ 45,682 

6 

$40,280 

$52,364

7 

$45,420 

$59,046

8 

$50,560

$65,728 

 

 

 

To apply:

Please complete the online application below or complete a paper application form at one of our CAP Agency offices. The same application is used for both programs offered. 

Please contact us at 651-322-3500 (option 2) or headstart@capagency.org , with questions or assistance with completing an application. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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