Thank you for your interest in Head Start/Early Head Start!

Please complete the application with as much detail as possible. If you need assistance applying, please call our office at 1-800-832-6082 and follow the automated prompts and/or request to speak with someone in Head Start. Once your application is received, a Lakes and Pines' staff member will contact you to complete the application process and verify the data provided.

Click Here for Head Start Interest Form

For families where at least one caregiver is home during the day.
Families receive weekly home visits and regular socializations.

The Home-Based Program:

• • Weekly 1 1/2 hour visits in your home jointly planned by parents and a trained Home Visitor.
• • Lesson plans specifically designed for you child to get him/her ready for Kindergarten.
• • Opportunities to interact with other parents and children in a classroom setting.
• • Parent meetings for sharing and planning.
• • Special parent-planned events (Family Nights, Neighborhood Tours, Field Trips, etc...)

Home Visits consist of:

• • Parents help plan the visits, share their observations and help set child goals.
• • Appointment times are on a regular schedule and take into account work and school schedules.
• • Each home visit is 1 1/2 hours long, but can be longer.
• • Sibilings who are not enrolled are included as much as possible.
• • Staff will assist in completing a Family Partnership Agreement which helps identify family strengths, resources need, and family goals.
• • Families can request visits by their Family Advocate if they're experiencing a difficult family situation, crisis, or would like help with family goals.

Socializations consist of:

• • Parents and children attend together.
• • There is a parent/child activity time (activities are set out for parents and children to do together)
• • For Head Start (Ages 3-5), Socializations are held either every-other week or every week (depending on location), and a meal is provided for enrolled children.

Head Start Partners with licensed Child Care providers. This option is for families working or attending school and need 20 hours or more of child care a week. Please call for locations.
This option is available to 3-5 year old children.

The Child Care Option Consists of:

• • Full year programming.
• • Approved preschool curriculum with structured, age-appropriate activities.
• • Regular visits to sites by Head Start staff and licensing checks to help ensure quality of care.
• • Regular meetings between parents and Head Start staff.
• • Quarterly opportunities to interact with other families.

For the Child Care Option Socializations consist of:

• • Parents and children attend together.
• • There is a parent/child activity time (activities are set out for parents and children to do together)
• • Evening Socializations occur four times a year, and a meal is provided for the entire family.
  

For families with children birth to five years old living in a shelter facility within Isanti County.

For Homeless Families Socializations consist of:

• • Parents and children attend together.
• • There is a parent/child activity time (activities are set out for parents and children to do together)
• • Socializations occur weekly and include a meal for all family members present.