Honolulu Community Action Program
Head Start FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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- How can I enroll my child in Head Start?
- How old does my child have to be to get into Head Start?
- Does my child have to be potty trained?
- Will my child be able to apply if he/she has a special need?
- If the child’s biological parents are not in the household, what types of documents are required to enroll her/him in the Head Start program?
- I’ve already applied, what next?
- Where is the nearest Head Start program to my home?
- What are the hours of the Head Start program?
- Can I stay in the classroom with my child?
- When does school start and end?
- Will I need to turn in another application if my child is on the waitlist?
- I’ve met with a Family Advocate, when do I enroll my child?
- I’ve completed the enrollment packet when does my child start?
- How can I enroll my child in Head Start?
There are several ways to submit an application for your child to enroll in Head Start. You may submit your information online through this website by following this link here. You can download an application here, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the application. Or you may call our automated answering machine at 847-2400 to request an application to be sent to you. - How old does my child have to be to get into Head Start?
For our Head Start program, the age for enrollment is between 3 and 4 years of age. (If your child will be 3 years before this August 1, he/she is also eligible to apply.) - Does my child have to be potty trained?
No, Head Start does not require children to be potty trained for enrollment.
Return to top - What are the income requirements? How do I know if my family qualifies?
Income requirements are set by the federal government and are changed each year. The best way to see if your family qualifies is to submit an application or call 847-2400 to speak to a Family Advocate. - Will my child be able to apply if he/she has a special need?
Yes, we welcome children with special needs. We have qualified special educators on board that will determine the least restrictive environment of learning for your child. - If the child’s biological parents are not in the household, what types of documents are required to enroll her/him in the Head Start program?
Power of Attorney document with the seal, adoption papers, or relevant documents stating that the child is temporarily in your care.
Return to top - I’ve already applied, what next?
If you have already completed and submitted an application there is a process that is called the Application Eligibility Review which determines if your family meets the Federal Income Guidelines and eligibility for the program. The review will also identify which program your child is eligible for. This review involves the following:
- A Family Advocate assigned to your district will contact you to complete the application process.
- A meeting will be arranged with you to verify your family income and your child’s birth date. To do this you will need statements of your family income for the past twelve (12) months. You can show this with pay stubs, your W-2 form, a written statement from your employer, or sign a Consent to Release letter so we may obtain this information from your payment worker. To verify your child’s birth date we will need to see a birth certificate, hospital certificate, baptismal record or passport.
- During this meeting, the Family Advocate will also take statistical information about you and your family, such as the number of members in your household, your child’s ethnicity, etc.
- After completing this review, your child’s application will be placed on the appropriate waitlist to await consideration for enrollment into one of our programs.
- Where is the nearest Head Start program to my home?
There are 76 Head Start classrooms located around Oahu. To find the nearest one to your home visit the Locations page here. - What are the hours of the Head Start program?
Most of our part-day programs operate from 8am to 2pm and the full-day programs operate from 7am to 5pm.
Return to top - Can I stay in the classroom with my child?
Yes, parents are always welcome to volunteer at their child’s classroom. - When does school start and end?
We will be following the DOE schedule for start and end date of school. - Will I need to turn in another application if my child is on the waitlist?
No, your child will remain on the waitlist until a vacancy occurs in that center, if you move you will need to contact the family advocate for that area to transfer your child’s application to another center without reapplying. If the new school year begins and your child has not entered a classroom, you will need to reapply if your child is 3-4 years old.
Return to top - I’ve met with a Family Advocate, when do I enroll my child?
A Family Advocate will contact you to complete an enrollment packet to prepare for your child’s enrollment into the program. Part of the enrollment packet will require getting a current physical exam, immunization record, and a dental screening for your child. - I’ve completed the enrollment packet when does my child start?
Once the packet is completed, you will be contacted by your child’s teacher.Return to top