Frequently Asked Questions
Is
there a fee for my child to attend the Head Start and
Pre-K programs?
All services to enrolled children are free. However,
families must meet income guidelines to be eligible
for Head Start.
How
old does my child need to be in order to attend Head
Start?
Children should be at least 3 or 4 years old on or
before September 1st. If your child has a disability,
he/she is eligible for Head Start on his/her 3rd birthday.
Does
McIntosh Trail ECDC implement Pre-K Programs in each
county?
We provide Pre-K services in three counties: Spalding,
Henry, and Upson counties.
Does
my child have to be potty trained in order to attend
Head Start?
No! If your child is not potty trained our staff
will work with you and your child in a developmentally
appropriate manner in accomplishing his/her goals in
using the restroom independently.
What
if my child has a disability?
Head Start accepts children with various disabilities
and special needs. Ten percent of our funded enrollments
slots must be set aside for children with disabilities.
Please let us know if your child has a diagnosed disability
or if you suspect that your child has a special need.
Does
McIntosh Trail provide transportation?
Children are transported to and from the center daily
by parents. We provide transportation for fieldtrips
and health or dental appointments set up by the Head
Start program.
How
old does my child need to be in order to attend Pre-k?
Children must be 4 years old on or before September
1st of that year.
Will
I need to send a lunch for my child?
We provide two nutritious meals and an afternoon
snack that is USDA approved.
What will I need to do before my child comes to Head Start or Pre-K?
- Parents must fill out a complete application which includes the child's health record.
- Parents must submit the child's birth certificate.
- Parent must submit the child's immunization record and be current with immunization requirements.
- When applying for Head Start, parents must submit proof of income. For example, we accept recent check stubs, W- 2 wage and tax statement or submit a letter from employer.
When
can I visit my child's classroom/center?
We welcome parental involvement in all classrooms/centers
and suggests the following for ways parents/guardians
to be involved in their children's early learning
experiences:
- Chaperone children on fieldtrips and doctor/dental visits.
- Volunteer in your child's classroom.
- Agree to serve on Policy Council, center or other program's committees.
- Attend regular parent meetings. (monthly)
- Participate in community Needs Assessments. (annually)
- Read or tell stories to your child's class.
- Attend other agency's meetings.
- Be paid substitute caregivers when staffs are absent.
There are several other ways that parents can be involved in their child's learning experiences at McIntosh Trail. Please contact your center or the central office for further information on parental involvement.
What if my family does not live in a county that McIntosh ECDC serves?
McIntosh Trail ECDC serves families in only the seven county service area, which includes Butts, Newton, Henry, Pike, Lamar, Spalding and Upson counties. A complete listing of Head Start programs in Georgia is available on the Georgia Head Start Associations Web site.
We are committed to embracing cultures and diversity throughout our organization while upholding and maintaining high standards of learning, and excellent performances as an early childhood education provider.
Finally, we believe that our children possess the fundamental rights to a high quality early education that will be the catalyst and preparation for their life-long learning.