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About Head Start
If you have a child between the ages of 3-5, we have a free preschool program just right for you!
Head Start (HS) is a center-based preschool program that offers comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, developmental services, and parent involvement opportunities to low-income children and their families.
Head Start is more than just childcare. Arkansas Early Learning serves Head Start children ages 3 to 5 in Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Poinsett counties. AEL utilizes a curriculum that includes individualization and emphasizes the use of positive guidance while offering:
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Free, high-quality preschool services
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Free meals and snacks for children
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Health, nutrition, dental, and developmental & behavioral screenings
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School readiness
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Parent Involvement Opportunities
Classroom activities, materials, and equipment support the development of problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills. Parents are encouraged to work with teachers and other staff to identify priorities, goals, and resources, not only for their child(ren) but for the entire family.
To learn more about the Arkansas Early Learning Head Start program or to discuss eligibility, contact us at your earliest convenience.
Eligibility:
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Children must be at least 3 years old by the school entrance date
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Family qualifier must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level
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Child needs a completed physical and dental exam
How to Apply:
Visit one of our Head Start Centers or click here to complete an application online.
Como Aplicar:
Visite uno de nuestros Centros Head Start o haga clic aquí para completar una solicitud en línea.
To apply, you must show:
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Proof of income for the past 12 months (1040 tax form or W2s)
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Proof of residence
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Child's birth certificate/proof of birth
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Parent/guardian identification
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Child's shot record
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Child's health insurance card
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Completed application
About Early Head Start
If you have a child younger than 3 years old, we have a free childcare program just right for you!
Early Head Start (EHS) is a center-based Infant and Toddler program that promotes the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children through safe and enriching environments. EHS also promotes good manners, eating habits, and socialization skills. AEL emphasizes nurturing through low child-staff ratios, small group sizes, and caring teachers to help staff build meaningful relationships with the children. Child development and education, family partnerships and goal setting, and community collaborations are also available to meet additional family needs.
Early Head Start is more than just childcare. Arkansas Early Learning serves Early Head Start children ages 0 to 3 in Benton, Craighead, Cross, Garland, Jackson, Poinsett, Pulaski, Saline, and Washington counties. AEL utilizes a curriculum that includes daily routines that are individualized to meet the needs of each child with naps, feeding, diapering, and toileting while offering:
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Free, high-quality childcare services
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Free meals and snacks for children
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Ongoing observation and assessment
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Medical and dental services
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Health, nutrition, dental, and developmental & behavioral screenings
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School readiness
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Parent Involvement Opportunities
Classroom activities, materials, and equipment are suited for the age and stage of development of the child to support and stimulate the incredibly rapid physical and cognitive development of children this age.
To learn more about the Arkansas Early Learning Early Head Start program or to discuss eligibility, contact us at your earliest convenience.
Eligibility:
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Children ages birth to 3 years old
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Family qualifier must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level
How to Apply:
Visit one of our Head Start Centers or click here to complete an application online.
Como Aplicar:
Visite uno de nuestros Centros Head Start o haga clic aquí para completar una solicitud en línea.
To apply, you must show:
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Proof of income for the past 12 months (1040 tax form or W2s)
-
Proof of residence
-
Child's birth certificate/proof of birth
-
Parent/guardian identification
-
Child's shot record
-
Child's health insurance card
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Completed application
About Prenatal Services
If you are pregnant and looking for childcare services upon delivery, we have a free childcare program just right for you!
The prenatal period of growth and development has a lasting impact on the child's potential for healthy growth and development after birth. With the intention of providing Early Head Start services to the child upon delivery, AEL offers services to pregnant women and their families through the child's first three years of life.
A healthy pregnancy has a direct influence on the health and development of a newborn child. AEL works to provide the best impact by offering services as early in life as possible.
Arkansas Early Learnings home-based prenatal program provides mom-to-be with comprehensive services such as education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement and offers:
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Home visits focusing on education
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Access to prenatal and postpartum care
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Health and nutrition information
Once the baby is born, the family is automatically enrolled in the Early Head Start program.
To learn more about the Arkansas Early Learning Home-based Early Head Start program or to discuss eligibility, contact us at your earliest convenience.
Eligibility:
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Pregnant women; any age
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Family qualifier must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level
How to Apply:
Visit one of our Head Start Centers or click here to complete an application online.
Como Aplicar:
Visite uno de nuestros Centros Head Start o haga clic aquí para completar una solicitud en línea.
To apply, you must show:
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Proof of income for the past 12 months (1040 tax form or W2s)
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Proof of residence
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Expected due date
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Expectant mother's identification
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Completed application
Northeast Regional Office
1901 Woodsprings Rd., Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 931-1172
Northwest Regional Office
2308 SE 28th Street, Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 319-6333