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Education

ICS Inc. announces start of its pre-school recruitment

As a public service, ICS, Inc, Project Head Start announces its annual recruitment drive for pre-school age children for the 2013-2014 program year. To be eligible for participation, a child must be three or four years old on or before September 1, 2013. The formal recruitment drive runs from January until the end of March.

If your child already has an application and is on the waiting list for openings, check by phone or in person with your local center and make sure that the information is current and complete. If your child is currently enrolled in Early Head Start you must complete new paperwork and a different application for Head Start. Partner programs should be recruiting children, especially children never enrolled and new to Head Start who have low family incomes.

ICS also operates a small Early Head Start (EHS) program for pregnant women, infants and toddlers. EHS is not located at all ICS centers or counties, and space is very limited. Check at your local center if you are interested in applying for EHS enrollment.

When applying, the parent or guardian must present the following items:

1. A certified birth certificate.

2. Up-to-date immunization report #121 from the Mississippi Health Department or your family physician.

3. Copy of the child’s Social Security card - optional

4. Proof of the family’s gross yearly income either for the last tax year or the past 12 months (tax forms, pay stubs, etc)

5. Copy of the child’s Medicaid or CHIP insurance if applicable.

6. Social Security number for head of household – optional.

7. If needed, local area residency proof can be required.

8. If needed, proof of legal guardianship can be required.

Each enrollment year, parents are asked to obtain both a physical and a dental examination for their child, preferably in the summer months, and provide documentation on the examinations. Also, ICS requests that the child have a blood lead test drawn at either age 3 or age 4, but only one year, to help with the national Head Start campaign to eliminate childhood lead poisoning.

Applications are available and may be picked up at any ICS Head Start Center and/or an interview time scheduled where forms may be completed on site or reviewed. Staff members are available for assistance. If an interpreter is needed, please call ahead for planning.

When forms are returned, allow time for review by Family Services for completeness and a brief conversation time. Children are selected by highest need, not by first come first served. But an earlier complete application does allow more chance for full review, processing and data entry.

If you need further information you may contact ICS Family Services at our administrative offices at 160 West Valley Avenue in Holly Springs or call (662) 252-1582/1583, ext. 139, 104, 149, 102, 161, 160, 164.

Parents of all age eligible children are encouraged to apply. Although low wealth income families may be given preference for selection per requirements, Head Start is a wonderful program for participating children. Complete the application in order to give your child the best chance for selection.

Parents of children with special needs are highly encouraged to apply. Toilet training is not required in our centers. Children with diagnosed disabilities may be able to enter Head Start earlier than other children.

ICS uses bus routes. Bus transportation may be limited. When completing an application ask the local center director for referral and coordination assistance on transportation plans. ICS does not provide transportation for children who are enrolled in the Early Head Start program.

Report News: (662) 252-4261 or southreporter@dixie-net.com
Fax: (662) 252-3388
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