Androscoggin Head Start
and Child Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Head Start is a federally funded program for low-income children, those typically developing as well as children with disabilities. The focus of our programs is on cognitive, social, emotional, physical and mental development of the child. The overall goal is to bring about a greater degree of social competence and school readiness in children of low-income families, while strengthening the family as the primary nurturer and educator of the child. The family, as well as the community, must be involved in every aspect of their education.
Who qualifies for Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care’s programs?
Our programs serve children from birth to age 5, and pregnant women. Our Pre-School and Child Care programs are available to children who will be three years old on or before October 15th, whose families meet the annual income eligibility guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Health and Human Services,. To qualify for full day services, children and families must live, work, or be continuing their education in Androscoggin county. The Early Head Start program is available for children six weeks to three years old. Our Home Based program is available to children from birth to age five, and pregnant women. Families who are “over income” (according to federal guidelines) are also eligible.
The Head Start program, as well as the Home Based program, are free to those who meet eligibility requirements. Head Start and Child Care, and Early Head Start, are available to parents who are working, participating in job training, or continuing their education. Fees are low, with the sliding fee scale based on monthly gross income.
Regulations allow for no more than 18 children, ages 3 to 5, per classroom, with one teacher for every nine children. In our Early Head Start classrooms, the ratio is eight children to two teachers.
Our half day program opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 12:30 PM, Monday to Thursday. Our full day programs are open from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
Transportation is not provided by Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care at this time.
Yes. At lunchtime, children receive a nutritious family-style meal. All children are taught to wash their hands before meals and brush their teeth after meals, and are encouraged to develop good personal habits. Breakfast is also provided each day, as well as nutritious snacks in the afternoon for children attending the full day Head Start and Child Care program and Early Head Start.
What are the teachers’ qualifications?
Tenured teachers should have either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree, or be in pursuit of these degrees. Newly hired teachers need a minimum of an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent, but prefer Bachelor’s Degrees. Teacher Assistants are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience with pre-school aged children. After one year of employment, Teacher Assistants may begin working on their Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate with financial help from Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care (based on eligibility of funds).
Head Start offers parents an empowering sense of being their child’s primary teacher, with opportunities to be involved in activities and training to help their children, along with other support services.
Head Start gives your child a head start in life. It provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically.
The staff recognizes that parents are the first and most important teacher of their children. Their involvement in Head Start activities is necessary and welcome, and Head Start will work as partners with parents to help their child progress.
Head Start staff offer children love, acceptance, understanding and the opportunity to learn and to experience success. Head Start children socialize with others, solve problems, and have experiences which help them become self-confident. The children also improve their listening and speaking skills. They spend time in stimulating settings where they form good habits and enjoy creative play. Children leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten, with an emphasis on literacy, math and science, excited about learning and ready to succeed.
Children will also receive health screenings by our staff, who have been trained by health professionals. These screenings will include vision and hearing, along with blood pressure, height and weight (if this has not been completed by the child’s primary care physician.)
We work in partnership with the parents and family of every child to help you ensure your child is up to date on health requirements and immunizations. Our staff will provide you with the resources to link with a medical and dental “home” and support your efforts to make necessary arrangements for completing all scheduled visits. Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care staff are able to help you find services available in our community for mental health, as well as services for children and families with specials needs.
Call 795-4040 to make an appointment so that your application can be completed in a timely manner. It is necessary to bring the following information* to complete the application process:
*Information required differs by programs. Please visit Program Options and Costs for more information on all programs.
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Child's birth certificate
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Child's immunization record
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Maine Care Card (if applicable)
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TANF statement (if applicable)
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4 consecutive pay stubs for all working members of the household (if applicable)
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Social Security numbers for all members of the household
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School schedules for any household member continuing their education
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Copy of Child Support order (if applicable)