Head Start in New York

In New York, those looking for financial assistance with child care need look no further than New York’s Head Start program. The program is dedicated to helping families afford child care, allowing them to hold work or pursue educational programs, while instilling important educational values in children involved.

Head Start promotes the value of education
Education is the main driver behind Head Start Programs in New York. Every game, craft and activity associated with the program is meant to help promote a strong and productive learning environment. Not only do the programs encourage fundamentals, such as literacy and numbers, but they also strive to enforce high social behavior and standards. Some of the activities meant to educate both mentally and socially include playing dress up, reading, heading outside to playgrounds and parks and going on fieldtrips throughout the city to learn about their community.

Welcoming to all cultures and backgrounds
Every Head Start program is multilingual, making it easy for children from all different backgrounds to communicate easily. The diversity also gives children within the program an opportunity to learn about their peers’ cultures, which may be different than their own. Diversity is even celebrated through different meal options, inspired by a variety of cultures, giving participants chances to try various types of food.

Health within Head Start programs
Health holds a high priority within all Head Start programs in New York. The programs help families access free health care in the city. Every child is screened by a health care professional within 45 days of joining the program. Head Start in New York ensures that all enrolled families receive medical check-ups and mental and dental care. Each day, in the programs, Head Start teaches about healthy living. The children are taught to wash their hands and brush their teeth. This kind of behavior, enforced at an early age, ensures it will be carried and practiced throughout their lives.

Children with disabilities
Children with disabilities make up 10% of the Head Start programs in New York each year. The programs have resources to assist with mental, developmental and physical disabilities.

Eligibility:
In order to qualify for Head Start programs in New York City:
• Families of 1 must make under $14,521 each year.
• Families of 2 must make under $19,669 each year.
• Families of 3 must make under $24,817 each year.
• Families of 4 must make under $29,965 each year.
• Families of 5 must make under $35,113 each year.
• Families of 6 must make under $40,261 each year.
• Families of 7 must make under $45,409 each year.
• Families of 8 must make under $50,557 each year.

Head Start in New York goes beyond the children
Head Start programs are there to help families as a whole. Staff members meet with families on a regular basis to ensure that each family member is striving for goals in terms of career and/or education.

Would you like to enroll in a New York Head Start Program? Click here to find the closest center near you: http://momtrusted.com/tag/headstart

Looking to start your own Head Start program in New York ? Visit our helpful guide: How to Start a Head Start Program.

Sources:
-“Head Start” NYC Administration for Child Services: http://www.nyc.gov/html/acs/html/child_care/headstart.shtml
-New York State Head Start: http://www.nyheadstart.org/
-“New York Head Start” Benefits.gov: http://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/1928
-“Head Start Programs” Educational Alliance: http://www.edalliance.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=HeadStart&category=EarlyChildhood&submenu=HeadStartDayCare