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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Low income families who meeting the Poverty Guidelines published by the Federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services. Head Start programs may enroll up to 10 percent of over-income families if your income exceed the Poverty Guidelines.

Click here for the most recent Head Start poverty guidelines.

Click here for the most recent California State Preschool income guidelines.

We serve children ages Zero (0) to Five (5) and pregnant women at select locations and offer a wide range of program. Below is a list of programs we offer and the age ranges.

  • Early Head Start – Center Base (0-3)
  • Early Head Start – Home Base 0-3 & Pregnant Women
  • Early Head Start Child Care Partnership – 0-4
  • Head Start Family Child Care Home 3-5
  • Head Start Preschool – Center Base 3-5
  • California State Preschool Program – 3-5
  • General Child Care Development Program 0-3
  • Family Child Care Home Education Network 0-13

We have locations available in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley.

For a complete list of our Child Care Centers click here.

For a complete list of Child Care Providers click here.

Below are the available hours at select locations.

  • Full Day (8hrs) – 7:30AM – 3:30PM or 7:30AM – 4:30PM
  • Extended Day (10hrs) – 7:30AM-5:30PM or 7:00Am-5:30PM

Each child care provider has their own operating hours. Families enrolled in the Child Care Partnership or Family Child Care option are eligible for up to 10 hours a day.

For a complete list of Child Care Providers in San Fernando and Antelope Valley click here.

You may submit an intake through the following methods:

You will receive a phone call from a member of the enrollment team within 30 calendar days when school is in session to schedule an appointment to complete the application process. When submitting an intake during open enrollment (Jan-June) this time line may vary due to increase in applications.

We begin taking applications for the following school beginning January of every year. On occasion, this may vary.

To verify exact date, you may contact us at 818-717-4515 or send us an email at [email protected]

Please bring proof of the following documents to your Head Start eligibility appointment:

  • Proof of Age or Pregnancy
  • Proof of Address
  • Verification of foster, homeless, public assistance (if applicable)
  • Verification of Income (if applicable)
  • Medical Insurance Card
  • Child’s Immunization Record
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)/Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) if applicable
  • Court orders or custody orders (if applicable)

For a complete list of documents that can be submitted click here.

There is no specific timeframe for when your child will be enrolled. Enrollment is based on availability in the program and children are selected based on priority points assigned at time of application.

Once an application is completed you will be placed on a waitlist for the program and location you selected at time of application. When a space is available becomes available and your child is next on the waitlist we will reach out to you to begin the enrollment process.

There is no specific timeframe for how long you will remain on the waitlist. Enrollment is based on availability in the program/center you have chosen and selection is based on priority points assigned at time of application.

Because spaces are limited it is required by our funders to develop a waitlist for all our programs that ranks applicants based on priority points at time of application.  All applicants must be waitlisted in order to be selected for the program.

Yes, you will need to apply again if you do not get enrolled because your application is only valid for one school year.

Families are selected based on selection criteria points from the waitlist. The points are given to the family once the eligibility appointment is completed based on the family’s needs and situation. Waitlist automatically prioritizes families with most points to be the next to be selected.

If your application is selected for enrollment you will receive a phone call from a member of the enrollment team. During the phone call we will review the opening and offer you placement.

A member of the enrollment team will make two (2) attempts to reach you. If we are unable to contact you, we will assume you are no longer interested in enrolling and will move down the waitlist to the next eligible applicant.

CCRC provides for your child’s basic needs including diapers, wipes and food. On the first day, please bring the following with your child’s name:

  • Light weight blanket
  • Soft comfort toy for rest time

Yes, we provider a free learning and development services to children ages birth to 5 and prenatal services for pregnant women.

Early Head Start Home Base (Ages 0-3 & Pregnant Women)

If your baby sitter is the primary caregiver of your child and he/she is willing to participate in the program yes they can. He/She would take the role of the parent during the home visit.

Yes, the parent/guardian does need to be a part of the home visit. This program is designed to support the parent/guardian with increasing parenting skills. We will become partners in helping your child reach his/her full potential. You are the most Important element in this program! We can’t do it without you!

Although socials are part of the program and are very beneficial for your child and yourself, you will not be dropped for not attending however it is highly encouraged to participate.

Yes, other family members including siblings are welcome to participate during the home visit.

If you move within our service areas we can continue services. If you move outside of the service areas we can support you with finding a program near your service area, if available.

Early Head Start Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) and Head Start Family Child Care Home 3-5 (HS-FCCH) (Ages 0-5)

Yes, your child will need to attend at a minimum of 30 hours a week to ensure we are meeting your child’s needs and you are receiving all the services the program offers.

No, they are two different programs from different funding sources and eligibility requirements. EHS-CCP/FCC programs are funded through Office of Head Start (OHS) while subsidy is funded through the California Department of Education (CDE). If you are interested in both program you will need to apply for each program separately.

We have child care providers located in both San Fernando Valley (SFV) and Antelope Valley (AV).

For a complete list of Child Care Providers in San Fernando and Antelope Valley click here.

The Early Head Start Child Care Partnership accepts children ages 0-4 for our Family Child Care homes and ages 0-3 for our Child Care Centers.

Additionally, our Head Start Family Child Care Home option accepts children ages 3-5.

This program is a full time, full year program which allows opportunity for parents to work or go to school. The program supports with disability, mental health, nutrition, health, family engagement and education. You will have parent conferences with your child’s provider to discuss the progress your child is making. All meals, diapers, and wipes will be provided while in care.  We conduct vision and audio screenings to ensure your child is ready to learn. Provide with any resources or referrals you or your family may need. Parents/guardians gain leadership skills by running parent committees, getting the chance to run for our policy council, which gives you the ability to have a voice and voting to make important decisions of the program.