Enrollment FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions we get about Enrollment at Head Start for Kent County!

If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please reach out to us through the Contact form on our Enrollment page!

How can I find out where my child is on the waitlist?

Priority for enrollment is based on family income and additional life experiences (such as homelessness, foster care, site openings, etc..). We do not provide where children are on the waitlist. You will be contacted when openings are available, and your child is at the top of the list.

I tried to apply online but was told I already have an application on file.

You could have a previous application from a different child or program year. You will need to call our enrollment number (616) 453-4145 x4010 to be connected with a member of our team that can get your application updated to reflect the current year.

What program is my child eligible based on their age?

Home visiting: Expecting families and children Birth – 3 years old.
Infant/Toddler Classrooms: 6 weeks old – 3 years old.
3-year-old preschool classroom: Children must be turning 3 on or before December 1^st to be eligible to enroll.
4-year-old preschool classroom: Children must be turning 4 on or before December 1st to be eligible to enroll. If they turn 4 after December 1^st they must wait until the following year to be eligible for a 4-year-old program.

What should I expect after filling out the application?

You will be contacted within 1-3 business days either by phone or email letting you know what the next steps are. Application follow up contact time will vary based on the time of the year.

When I complete an application, does that mean my child will be enrolled?

Completing an application does not guarantee enrollment in a program. The online application is the first step in the process. After filling out an application, you will still need to provide eligibility information. Priority for enrollment is based on family income and additional life experiences (such as homelessness, foster care, site openings, etc..).

I filled out an application early. Does that mean I am more likely to get in?

While it is a good idea to fill out your online application and send in all the required documents as soon as possible, it is not the only factor we consider when prioritizing enrollment. Priority for enrollment is based on family income and additional life experiences (such as homelessness, foster care, site openings, etc..).

My Child has an IEP/IFSP/Diagnosed Disability, do I automatically qualify?

Head Start for Kent County prioritizes income eligible children with IEP/IFSP and once we reach 3 IEP/IFSP per classroom, we are prioritizing income eligible children over the students that are over income with an IEP/IFSP (who are only eligible for our program due to the IEP/IFSP).

How soon can I complete a preschool application?

We accept applications year-round. Applications for the following year typically open in March. Keep an eye on our social media for posts to notify you when our new application is open!

How do I make changes to my child's application?

You can call us at (616) 453-4145 x4010 or email enroll@hs4kc.org to update information on your existing application.

Do you offer any part-day options?

We are a full day program, Monday-Thursday. We do not offer any part-day/part week options unless your child attends a part-day special needs program.

Is transportation guaranteed?

Transportation is based on need and availability. Your address must be within our bussing boundaries (map can be found under the locations tab of our website). We are unable to confirm busing for families until a full enrollment appointment is complete.

What counts as income?

You will need to provide documentation that includes the gross income or public assistance of the parents/guardians of the child.

Income may include the following

Tax documents (W-2 or 1040 from the previous year)
Food Assistance (SNAP)
Paystubs
Social Security Benefits Letter (SSI Disability)
Cash Assistance (TANF child-only)
Foster Care documentation
Child support

How can I schedule a tour of a potential preschool site for my child?

You will need to contact that site directly to schedule a time to tour. Contact information for each site can be found under the “Locations” tab of our website.

What is the difference between Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)?

Both preschool programs provide an excellent opportunity for children to learn in a safe, encouraging environment. Both programs are focused on giving children the best classroom experience possible to prepare them for kindergarten.

Head Start is a program that provides additional support for families beyond the classroom. The program works closely with families to help enhance the child’s overall health and nutrition and help parents with their child’s mental, social, and emotional needs. While Head Start gives priority for enrollment to four-year-old children, some classrooms are available to three-year-olds.
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is only available to four-year-old children and is a state funded preschool program. You can find more information about the different GSRP sites at https://preschool.kentisd.org/SiteMap

Does my child need to be fully vaccinated before attending?

Children must be fully vaccinated or have a copy of the Immunization Waiver from the Kent County Health Department before attending with us in person.

Does my child need to be fully potty trained before attending?

No – we have no potty-training requirements, and we provide all diapering supplies.