Who is eligible for Head Start services?
Children between the ages of three and five from families that meet the Federal poverty guidelines are eligible for Head Start services.  In FY 1996, 1,440 grantees operated the program on the local level.  Programs throughout the country establish priorities for enrolling children based on community needs and available funds

Ten percent of the enrollment opportunities in each program may be filled by children that exceed the low-income guidelines. There is also a requirement that ten percent of enrollments should be offered to children with disabilities.

 

Can volunteers assist at Head Start centers?
Yes, volunteers are critical to the success of Head Start.  The participation of volunteers has been an effective way of mobilizing community resources to strengthen Head Start Services.  

Volunteers can be professionals and nonprofessionals, parents, local residents, and members of the larger community, board members and those who serve on policy and advisory groups, those who work in classrooms, offices, or kitchens, and those who provide necessary health education, medical and dental examinations, and other health services.

Head Start volunteers can assist with classroom activities, transportation, upkeep and renovation of centers, playground supervision, parent education, and other similar tasks.  The participation of volunteers in classroom activities has ensured lower adult-child ratios, has met the need for bilingual adults for non-English speaking children and parents, and has offered support to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Nonprofessional volunteers can also help to arrange needed health services, can provide care of siblings while a health examination is conducted, can assist with certain health screenings, and can teach children good health practices. Head Start volunteers may choose to give a few hours of time, or may volunteer every week.

Many organizations and individuals have worked with Head Start, such as Kiwanis Clubs, local health professionals, corporations, senior citizens, and students.  Community organizations also assist Head Start by donating goods and services to help local programs.

Local Head Start programs have coordinators of volunteer services to recruit and train volunteers to fill their responsibilities.  One goal of volunteer training and experience is to enable parents and other low-income community volunteers to gain the skills and experience needed to qualify for employment.