FAQs

Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS) programs are free, federally funded programs designed to promote school readiness for children from low-income families. Income eligibility requirements are specified by the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. EHS serves pregnant women and families with children under age 3. HS programs serve children between 3 and 5 years old.

Our program serves children from birth to age 5, offering home-based services for children ages birth-2, services for expectant families, toddler classes for 2-year olds and preschool classes for 3-5 year olds. These programs encourage parent involvement through regular visits to the child’s home, regular opportunities for parents to volunteer in the program, and special activities. Head Start and Early Head Start programs also link children and families to other services in the community.

The hours of operation are 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM

Jamaica site #1 is a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accredited Site. All of our locations operate using the same NAEYC standards.

Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for EHS and HS services.

Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.

Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.

Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.

You must bring in the following original documents: your child’s Birth Certificate, Health Record, Proof of Income, Proof of Residence and Social Security Cards for all family members residing in your household. You can also apply online via the “Online Application” on this website.

Parents are free to visit the center whenever they choose to. Parents who would like to volunteer in the center must have an up-to-date medical on file and must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19..

CECD is a uniform school, but no child will be denied enrollment for not wearing one. Boys wear light blue shirts and navy blue pants while the girls wear light blue blouse and navy blue skirt or pants.

The Office of Head Start requires that “not less than 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled by a Head Start agency will be children with disabilities who are determined to be eligible for special education and related services, or early intervention services…by the State or local agency providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA].”

The teachers complete educational screenings on all children upon enrollment, to ensure that they are developing appropriately. If there are any concerns, the Special Education Coordinator works with families to help with the provision of special education services.

Our on-site nutrition staff provides nutritional breakfast, lunch and snack daily. A NYS Certified Nutritionist approves all menus.

Our program uses the Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum for the home-based program and the Creative Curriculum for the center-based classes to address children’s collective and individual needs.

Partners for a Healthy Baby features materials for home visitors and families that promote child development and family well-being. The curriculum is organized around children’s ages and topics home visitors can use to support both age-appropriate learning and family development.

The Creative Curriculum is based on the concept that young children learn best by doing. It is built on the child development theory that all children learn through active exploration of their environment. It is also designed to foster the development of the whole child through teacher-led small and large group activities.

We have three sites: 193-04 Jamaica Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423, 193-25 Jamaica Avenue, Hollis, NY 11423 and 117-21 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11434.

A minimum of 4 field trips are scheduled throughout a typical school year.

Our doors are always open. It is suggested that prospective parents call and make an appointment so time can be allotted for an escorted tour.

All of our teachers have a degree and/or certificate in Early Childhood Education or a related field.