... is a child development program for children ages three through five from low-income families. This program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Missouri Department of Health, Contract # ER0046-3246. In addition, the community must provide a 20% in-kind match for the federal funds provided by DHHS. Families must meet income guidelines established by the funding source to participate in this program. There is no cost to the participant for these services. Pre-school education, health care, and nutrition education are provided to the enrolled children at the centers (C) and/or participant's residences located in Jefferson and Franklin Counties. (Children who are given services at their residences also have socialization at a Home Base (HB) location twice each month.) Children are provided meals at the Center and HB locations. All children are screened for developmental delays and individual learning experiences are planned for each child.

Parents are involved in program planning, volunteer work and administrative decisions through Policy Council and Center Committees. We welcome any community volunteers for the program and donations of goods or services. These will be used to meet the 20% in-kind match required by DHHS.

Please note that all (HB) sites are only there about 2 days per month. If you do not receive an answer, call the Administrative Office listed on the Contact Us page.

Click here to go to our HeadStart Website!

If you need further information, go to the Contact Us page. If you need information about other Head Start programs in the state of Missouri, click here.

• Antonia (C) 636-942-3680
• De Soto (C) 636-586-1042 x4
• Fenton (C) 636-343-4402
• Gray Summit (C)636-451-0344
• Hematite (C) 636-937-0770
• House Springs (C) 636-375-5201
• Robertsville (C) 636-257-9110
• Sullivan (C) 636-742-4660 x113
• Union (C) 636-583-6465

• Click here for information on how to apply for Community Services.

Families should call 1-888-275-5908 to make an application for Medicaid Services.
Medicaid information on the Web - www.dss.state.mo.us/mcplus.
This web site tells about what MC+ provides and more information about MC+ services and providers.
Contact your Jefferson and Franklin County Family Support Division (FSD) [formerly DFS] for an application.

Jefferson County	Franklin County
Hillsboro Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services PO Box 437 405 Maple Street Hillsboro, Missouri 63050 Phone: 636-789-3372 or 636-942-3101	Union Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 15 South Oak Street Union, Missouri 63084 Phone: 636-583-7300
Arnold Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 1818 Lonedell Road Arnold, Missouri 63010 Phone: 636-282-1010 Jefferson County Health Information Hotline: 1-888-640-3113

DENTAL SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO ACCEPT MEDICAID FOR CHILDREN:

Note that this list was last updated in April 2004. Dentists add and drop from this program on a regular basis. Parents are cautioned to ask if the Dentist still accepts MC+ or Medicaid, before you make an appointment.

PLEASE REMEMBER: All exams are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Tell the receptionist that you need to schedule a Head Start exam.  Once you make the appointment, BE SURE TO KEEP IT. The physical and dental exams are necessary for your child to attend Head Start.

• Brochure - The brochure to give a look at head start.
• Immunization Report - Gives information on your child's medical history.

Some of the above forms open with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
If you do not have it, you can download it for free at Adobe.com.

HEAD START PRE-ENROLLMENT FORM

Head Start Criteria: Must be a resident of Jefferson or Franklin County, Missouri

INCOME:  The family's income must fall below the poverty guidelines of the Administration for Children and Families.

AGES 3-5 YEARS OLD: Children must be three years old by July 31.

DISABLED CHILDREN are also welcome into the Head Start program in both options. Head Start will provide assistance in finding help in such areas as speech, language delay and other disabilities.

OTHER PRIORITIES: Special family circumstances.

• How do I get my child enrolled in Head Start?
Click here to fill out the Mini Application on the Head Start Page and mail it in or you may can go to the Agency intake office or any Head Start Center to do the application.
• If I do an application, does that mean my child will get into Head Start right away?
Children are accepted on the basis of agem income and need.
• What ages does Head Start take?
Head Start works with children between the ages of 3 and 5. The child's birthday must fall before July 31st. Children must be 3 before July 31st. Children who are age eligible for Kindergarten are NOT eligible for Head Start.
• What do I need to register my child for Head Start?
You will need the child's birth certificate, Social Security card, insurance card, Medicaid or MC+ card, their immunization record and their proof of income.
• Is there a fee for Head Start?
All Head Start services are free. There are no charges for any of the Head Start services.
• Is Head Start open all year?
Head Start operates on a regular school year system. Summer time is vacation time.
• Do you serve children with a disability?
Yes, 10% of our slot are reserved for enrolling children with disabilities.
• Who can enroll in Head Start?
Any low-income child who is between ages 3 and 5 years old by July 31st each year is eligible to apply. Foster children, children from shelters and other family circumstances are encouraged to apply. Children with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
• My child has special needs. Can you serve him and where will he receive his therapy?
If your child has an IEP and receive therapy from your school district, we will open our center for the therapy sessions. If the therapy is at school we will work with the district bus system to make sure that your child can receive both Head Start and Special Services.
• How much does Head Start cost?
Head Start is a free program for qualified children and families. There is no charge for any of the Head Start services.
• Is there transportation in my neighborhood?
Yes, all of the part day centers have transportation on school buses.
• How much do the meals cost?
There are no charges for the meals in Head Start nor for any other service in the program.
• What are the hours of operation?
Classes for the part day generally run from 8am to 12 noon and from 12 noon to 4 pm.
• What do I need to have to make an application?
Parents need to bring the following to make an application: The child’s birth certificate, the child’s Medicaid/insurance number, the child’s immunization records, the social security number of all members of the household, and a parent or guardian. Applicants will also need to bring proof of income such as last year’s income tax return or a printout from DFS for TANF.
• What Curriculums does Head Start use?
Head Start uses three different curriculums: High Scope, Project Construct and Creative Curriculum. Most of the Head Start centers use the High Scope Curriculum. Washington District Head Start uses Project Construct. Sullivan District uses Creative Curriculum.
• Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers are welcome. Parents are our most common volunteer, working with children on special projects, helping at meal time and on the playground. Find more information here.
Other volunteers are drawn from nursing programs at the colleges. We also have firefighters, police, community organizations and grandparents that bring special events and help to the Head Start program.
• What is Policy Council?
Policy Council serves the Head Start program much like a school board oversees the local school district. The Policy Council member are elect by the Head Start parents and help decide on rules, budget and staff.

• Medicaid
  Medicaid information on the Web
• Missouri Head Start programs
  For more information about other Head Start programs in the state of Missouri