Serving Napa, Solano, Contra Costa and Marin Counties

1 (866) 573-4274

Frequently Asked Questions

A mom draws with crayons with her young son

No, there are no fees associated with services for Head Start, however a family fee may be incurred in State subsidized programs (CSPP or CCTR) for families whose income is above the State Median Income Ceiling for CSPP (Preschool) or State Median Income Ceiling for CCTR (0-3 yrs).

Your family is eligible for Head Start if your household income is at or below the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. Families who receive public assistance (TANF/CalWORKS Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SNAP/CalFresh, and those with children in foster care or families experiencing homeless, qualify regardless of income.

Yes! Child Start can use a Housing Cost Adjustment Calculator to calculate a possible adjustment to your family’s gross income, due to excessive housing expenses. Housing costs may include rent or mortgage payments, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, utilities, interest, and taxes on the home. Utilities include electricity, gas, water, sewer, and trash. Your family might be income eligible after the housing cost adjustment. 

Children with IFSP’s or IEP’s are not subject to the same income requirements. Once the waitlist has been exhausted, Child Start may begin to enroll families over 100% of the poverty guidelines. However, only 10% of the families we serve are 130% or more over the federal poverty guidelines. If you would like additional resources for child care or preschool services, if you live in:

Napa County – crcnapa.org

Solano County – solanofamily.org

Contra Costa – https://www.cocokids.org/

Marin – mc3 Marin Child Care Council 

 

Please note: If income reaches 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, your family is ineligible, regardless of family circumstances.

Completing an application is the first step in the process and does not guarantee placement. If you apply online, you will receive an automated e-mail confirmation from ChildPlus; or if you complete a physical application (paper/fillable), an application receipt will be mailed to you within 7 business days of submission explaining the next steps in the application process. 

If there are changes to your contact information, family size, you have questions about the different program options we offer, or you would like to change location preferences please contact Child Start at (707) 252-8931 or 1-866-573-4274. Otherwise, please wait for a call from an Enrollment Assistant. 

Please note: Enrollment Assistants contact families throughout the school year as vacancies occur, with an emphasis during spring and summer months to schedule intake appointments for the upcoming school year.

During an intake appointment, an Enrollment Assistant will complete a Health & Developmental History questionnaire with you for your child. To determine eligibility and need for services based on current family circumstances, the following documents may be collected or requested at the intake appointment: 

  • Birth Date Documentation (Birth Certificate, Passport, Hospital Letter, Social Services Letter, Government document such as Visa, Residence Card, Refugee, etc.) 
  • Proof of income (copy of your current 1040 tax return, 1099, or W2’s)
    *    2 parent/guardian households will require income from both parents/guardians 
  • Supplemental Security Income Statement 
  • Foster Care Statement 
  • TANF/CalWORKS or SNAP/CalFresh Notice 
  • McKinney Vento Self-Certification 
  • Custody/Restraining Orders
  • A current copy of your child’s IEP/IFSP

There is no specific timeframe for when your child will be enrolled. Enrollment is based on availability and priority is given to applicants who are categorically eligible* and families who meet the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.

If accepted during the summer for the upcoming school year, you will receive an acceptance letter in the mail. If accepted after the school year begins, you will be contacted by phone. If your contact information changes (i.e. home address, phone numbers, etc.), please contact Child Start at (707) 252-8931 or 1-866 573-4274. If we are unable to contact you, we will make 3 attempts to reach you after which time we will send a participation notice to the mailing address we have on file. If there is no response to the participation notice, we will assume you are no longer interested in services and will move down the waitlist to the next eligible applicant.

No, however one of the following needs to be prioritized for full day/full year services: 

  • The child is a recipient of Child Protective services or at risk of being of being neglected, abused, or exploited 
  • The parent is employed/seeking employment 
  • The family is experiencing homelessness 
  • The family is seeking permanent housing for family stability 
  • The parent is enrolled in vocational training or educational program 
  • The parent is incapacitated

Reasons you may be contacted for more documentation:

  • If you have applied for a center offering State subsidized childcare, current documentation is required to establish eligibility and a need for services and may include documents not previously needed/requested. 
  • If your child remains on the Head Start waitlist after January of the current year and is still age-eligible for Head Start for the following program year, eligibility must be re-determined to be considered for placement.
  • The Home Base program serves pregnant parents and children 0-36 months. 
  • Early Head Start centers serve children 0-36 months. 
  • The Child Care Partnerships program serves children 0-47 months in Family Child Care Homes. 
  • A child is age eligible for a Head Start Preschool center once they turn 3 years old until eligible for kindergarten.

Under the statutes of the California Department of Public Health California Health and Safety Code, Sections 120325-120375, children are required to be ‘up-to-date’ or in series on their immunizations before they can enter the classroom. Please check with your doctor or go to https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/schedules/index.html to view the CDC Immunization schedule.

Federal and state regulations for Head Start require: 

  • TB Skin test or TB No risk Factor (less than 1 year old 
  • Recent Physical (less than 1 year old) 
  • Recent Dental Exam (less than 1 year old) 
  • Medication form and medication (As needed if medication will be given at school) 
  • Medical Statement to Request Special Meals or Accommodations-CNP925 & FARE form (as needed for food allergies) 

If your child has not had a physical examination in the last 12 months or is not up to date on their schedule of well child exams, please call your health care provider today and make an appointment.

No. Public transportation information will be provided to parents to support their transportation needs.

No, all our preschool classrooms will support children’s individual toileting needs. There are helpful tips about when and how to get started with your child available from First 5 California on Toilet Training.