By Lynn Robinson

(Editor’s note: Lynn Robinson is the family services worker for Wayne County Head Start & Pre-K, a service provided by the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority.)

Will your child be 3 or 4 on or before Sept. 1? Immunizations current? Proof of income for the last 12 months (W-2 or three consecutive recent pay stubs, SSI, SSA, child support, or other)? No income?

We have paperwork for you to use to complete the enrollment process. Come to Wayne County Head Start and Pre-K.

This federally funded national program provides comprehensive child developmental services to children. Head Start works with other community agencies and contract professionals to provide a program with health, nutritional, educational, and social services. Just as in traditional educational facilities, your child’s attendance really matters. Children can’t learn if they do not attend.

You, as a parent, are a big part of the process. Parents can become fully involved in the development of their child through our policy council, center committees, classroom volunteers and many other avenues. There are monthly parent meetings covering various subjects, including cooking, budgeting, child development, health resources and much more. There are monthly activities for fathers and other family members such as kite building, flower planting, bubble blowing and more to encourage the relationship between the parent and the child.

What are some of the rewards? Children will gain skills that will assist them when entering public school. As a parent, you will gain skills and develop resources to help you to encourage further development in your child. Because family and family members participate in the process, children will understand that education is valuable and that their families want them to be successful.

So what’s next? To apply for Head Start (and Pre-K), you will need the child’s birth certificate, proof of income (last 12 months or calendar year), and a Georgia immunization certificate (Form No. 3231). Please be ready to supply the Social Security number, the child’s most recent physical exam and dental exam, and a medical insurance document. Pre-K placement requires additional documents, including residency information, a 3300 form and a Pre-K enrollment form.

Once you have submitted all of the information, if your child is determined to be eligible for the program, your child will be placed on a priority list based on information from your application. The points are arranged from highest to lowest. Selection is not done on a first-come, first-served basis. The list is constantly changing as each new application is taken. The process is easy and the rewards are great!

More information?  Please contact 427-4527, or visit Wayne County Head Start and Pre-K at 724 N. Fourth St. in Jesup. See you soon!