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.
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.
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.