About Head Start
Head Start is a free preschool and early childhood development service for low-income families and their children ages 3 to 5. Our program includes early learning, nutrition, and family services for qualifying families in Marion and Polk Counties.
Preschool Key Features and Offerings
- Safe and nurturing environment
- Part-day (mornings or afternoons) or full-day classes
- Staffed by highly-qualified school district employees
- Classrooms have English and Spanish-speaking staff, paid program assistants and parent volunteers
- Bus transportation available when possible
Head Start Locations
Generally, qualifying children live close to the school site they attend, ensuring a successful transition into kindergarten near the same location.
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to children ages 3 or 4 years old by September 10 in Salem and September 1 in surrounding communities.
- Families who meet federal income guidelines, are homeless, foster children, families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) are eligible.
- Sometimes Head Start can serve children from over-income families if a child has a diagnosed disability or has other high needs.
How to Apply to Head Start
Salem-Keizer Head Start and Community Action Head Start use the same application to qualify families. Your family' residence will determine which program will best serve you.
Applications are scored when they are received at the central office. Scores are determined by income and child/family needs.
Notification of Eligibility or Waitlist
Head Start classes have a limited class size. Our part-day classrooms have 17 children and full-day classrooms have no more than 18.
Eligible families are contacted to complete required program paperwork. Families will be notified by mail if they are placed on the waiting list. As children leave the program, new children are added from the waiting list.
Returning children are re-enrolled in May for the next school year. New program applications are sent to schools in April to begin the enrollment process for the following year.
Head Start Flyers
Parent Handbook
