Head Start Preschool
Head Start is a federally funded child development program for children and their families who qualify. The Head Start programs in Seattle Public Schools serve three-year and four-year-old children, offering full and part-day programs at various schools in the district.
Seattle Public Schools Head Start programs are for children ages three and four. Students must reach the age of three or four by August 31st prior to enrollment.
Our services include:
- A school readiness, literacy and math based early childhood education program
- Individual Education Plans for every child
- Individualization for students with disabilities
- Interpreter support for dual language learners
- Family Support Services and Family Engagement
- Door-to-door transportation
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack are provided
- Full-day programs operate Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and follow the school year calendar.
- Part-day programs are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and follow the school year calendar.
Head Start Benefits
- The curriculum and assessments are aligned with K-12 standards
- Transition to Kindergarten is effective because the child is familiar with the school environment
- Families and children become involved in the school that the child will attend
- Preschool children can attend the same school as their siblings
- Families have access to other resources in the school and community
Enrolling in Head Start
Enrollment is open year-round. Enroll your child at any time to get on the waiting list for the next opening in a Head Start classroom.
Requirements:
The Seattle Public Schools Head Start program serves three year and four year old children. Your child must reach the age of three or four by August 31 in order to enroll.
Head Start programs are for low-income families. You will be asked to provide proof of your income for the preceding calendar year. Seattle Public Schools Head Start programs are for families residing in the City of Seattle. Your child must live within the Seattle city limits.
To enroll your student
Head Start will process your application and contact you regarding your eligibility for the program.
Available classroom slots fill quickly, so submit your application with all required information as soon as possible. Applications sent without the necessary documentation delays the processing procedures.
1. Complete an application
2. Attach the following documents to submit with your application:
- Proof of your Child's Birth Date (a copy of one of the following): Birth Certificate, Passport, or Permanent Resident Card
- Proof of your family income for the last calendar year or the most recent 12 months
You can use the following for your income verification:
- Income tax form for the past year
- W-2 form for the past year
- Employer letter stating total gross earnings
- TANF/Working Connections Award/Change Letter
- Self declaration statements acceptable under certain conditions
3. Submit your application and other documents to the main office of SPS Head Start at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence located at: 2445 3rd Ave S (Mailing address: Mail Stop 31-555, PO Box 34165, Seattle, WA 98124)
Programs Locations
Seattle Public Schools has Head Start locations at elementary schools throughout the Seattle school district. To find out about a program near you, call (206) 252-0960, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Our Mission
Seattle Public Schools Head Start educates and supports young children and their families to enhance their potential for success as life-long learners!
The overall goal of Head Start is to improve the social competence and school readiness through commitments to a supportive learning environment for children and families. Head Start supports of all aspects of a child's development, including social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth. Head Start recognizes that children develop in the context of their families culture and language. We believe that fostering relationships with the community is important for families and children so that families are respected and their needs met.
Policy Council
Head Start encourages parent leadership and governance as part of our program. The Policy Council is a group of parent representatives from each site/classroom that review, advise, communicate and approve recommendations about the Head Start program, community representatives also sit on the Policy Council.
Policy Council members are elected at the center’s first parent meeting September or October. There is a training for new members.
Policy council members have responsibilities that include approving or disapproving procedures for program planning, criteria for enrollment selection and grant proposals as well as short and long term goals that include budgets.
Becoming a Member
Members are elected by a majority vote at the first Policy Council meeting of the school year. One parent and one alternate are chosen from each classroom.
Types of Members
1. Parents/Family of children currently enrolled in a Seattle Public Schools Head Start Program. The parent can only represent the classroom of his or her child.
2. Local community members
- Private individuals and representatives of public agencies or organizations interested in or responsible for improving the educational opportunities, health, nutrition and socioeconomic well-being of preschool children and their families.
- Past parents who are parents of formerly enrolled Head Start children and who have had a child in the Seattle Public Schools Head Start program for at least six months within the last three program years.