Head Start
Head Start programming partners with families and their children ages three to five. Head Start follows a calendar similar to schools, running approximately August through June. From educational fun and activities to nutritional meals and snacks, Head Start provides a strong foundation and family support.
![IMG-HeadStartProgram IMG-HeadStartProgram](https://reachupinc.org//wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG-HeadStartProgram.jpeg)
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![IMG-EarlyHeadStartProgram IMG-EarlyHeadStartProgram](https://reachupinc.org//wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG-EarlyHeadStartProgram.jpeg)
Early Head Start
Early Head Start programming provides services for families with children ages birth to three as well as for pregnant women. Early Head Start includes age-appropriate activities and books, advocacy resources, and various health screenings year-round.
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Program Eligibility
Eligibility for Reach-Up programming is based on a variety of eligibility criteria, including the following:
Location Eligibility
You must live in or be moving to Stearns, Benton, or Sherburne County
Income/Life Factor Eligibility:
- Family income from the last 12 months or last tax year meets the federal poverty guidelines
- At least one family member receives MFIP/TANF (Minnesota Family Investment Program)
- At least one family member receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- At least one family member receives SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Family is homeless
- The child has a documented disability or special need such as speech services, an IEP, an IFSP, etc
- The child is in foster care
Age Eligibility
- Pregnant women and children who are less than three years old on September 1 of the program year are Early Head Start age
- Children who are 3 or 4 years old on September 1 of the program year are Head Start age
- Children who are 5 on September 1 of the program year are not eligible for Head Start because they are kindergarten age.
Program FAQs
There is no cost for Reach-Up’s Early Head Start and Head Start programming. We currently offer both Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms, and provide wrap-around child care for an added fee.