Enrollment Options

There are several developmentally appropriate options for income eligible families who are interested in Champaign County Head Start / Early Head Start. All options serve children who have a disability. Nutritious meals are provided in every option. Program options include:

• Full Day Classrooms (10 hours)
• Part Day Classrooms (3 1/2 hours)
• School Day Classrooms (6 hours)
• Home Base
• Collaborations with Child Care Centers
• Collaborations with Family Child Care Homes
• Collaborations with School Districts
• Expectant Families

Full-day Head Start (Full-day, Year-round)

Full-day Head Start is for children 3 to 5-years-old whose parents are working and/or attending school. While Head Start services are free, families using the full-day programming must pay for child care services. The fee for child care is based on family size and income.

Part-day Head Start (School Year)

Part-day options are available for children 3 to 5-years-old. Families have the option of their child attending a morning or afternoon session. Transportation is provided based on availability.

School-day Head Start (6 hours, School Year)

School-day Head Start is available for children 3 to 5-years-old. The school-day option is free; however, priority is given to families who are working and/or attending school. Transportation is provided based on availability.

Full-day Early Head Start (Year-round)

Early Head Start offers free center-based services for infants, toddlers and two-year-olds. Iron-fortified formula for infants is provided. Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation in Early Head Start. Services to expectant families are also available in this option.

Part-day/School-day Early Head Start (Year-round)

Part-day/school-day options are available for infants, toddlers and twoyear-olds. Families have the option of their child attending a session that is 3 1/2 hours to 6 hours in length. Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation in Early Head Start. Services are also available to expectant families in this option.

Child Care Collaborations (Full-day, Year-round)

Champaign County Head Start/Early Head Start partners with child care centers and family child care homes in the county to wrap Head Start/Early Head Start services around already existing child care. The fee for child care at a collaboration site is arranged at the particular center or home. Nutritious meals are provided with no additional fee. Teachers and family child care providers at these sites are required to follow Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards for all service areas. Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to these sites.

Home Base

This option serves children 6 weeks to five and expectant families. Home Base services are year-round. Home Visitors serve families throughout Champaign County and provide Head Start/Early Head Start services weekly to families in their homes. Family Days for home based enrollment are held twice a month, with transportation provided. EHS parents must accompany their infant, toddler or two-year-old to Family Day activities.