Family Development
The Shippensburg Head Start Program provides comprehensive services to pregnant women and children 0 to 5 years old. The Federal Head Start Performance Standards and the Federal Head Start Act require verification of the family's income to determine eligibility for service. You will be required to complete an application and provide verification of your income and eligibility at the time of application. You may verify your income and eligibility using the following documentation:
- Income Tax Form 1040
- W-2 Form
- Verified by employer
- Unemployment Compensation
- Pay stubs
- Child Support
- SSI Determination letter
- Cash Assistance Determination letter
- Foster Care
- Homeless
- Documentation of no income
You will be asked to verify the income of each person who is identified as a family member. Family members will be identified as defined in the Federal definition of family, as outlined by the Federal Head Start Performance Standards and the Federal Head Start Act.
You may make an appointment to complete an application to the Shippensburg Head Start Program by calling (717) 477-1626. During the phone call, the Federal Income guidelines will be discussed with you, as well as other information unique to your family's eligibility. Or you may apply online below or on the home page. We will contact you by phone using the number you provided once we have processed your online application.
The Federal Head Start Guidance prefers that the completion of the application occurs in the home of the child you chose to enroll. Other locations for an appointment may also be determined by unique family situations such as:
- Foster Care placement
- Parent schedules
- Families moving into the area
Family Partner Agreement
The Family Development Staff, which includes the Family Development Manager, Family Development Specialists (FDS’s) and Social Work Interns will work with your family throughout the year to identify family goals, family strengths, and necessary services and supports. Resources and referral is available for training and education. Assistance is available for the completion of applications and resume writing. Budget planning materials and assistance to set up a working budget will be provided upon request.
We will provide training and assistance conducting monthly center committee and policy council meetings. We assist parents participate in Head Start by following the established program policies and Head Start performance standards. During parent meetings we will assist parents plan activities for the classrooms and socializations for families. During parent meetings knowledge of issues surrounding child development and parenting skills is also provided.
The Family Development staff also monitors attendance of the children. Daily and monthly attendance is monitored. A record of attendance and excuse for absence is kept for each enrolled child.
We also are your point of contact for emergency assistance and crisis intervention. We will help you contact the public assistance office or other agencies that provide emergency assistance. We will encourage you to use the directory of services provided in your parent manual. The listings for food and clothing banks, day care facilities, housing and rental assistance, and many other areas of service may be found in the parent manual.
We are your bridge to the community and encourage parents to communicate openly with Head Start Staff, other parents, volunteers, and with community agencies and resources. We recruit new families and enroll children into classrooms throughout the year when vacancies occur.
Family Development Staff may be contacted at 717-477-1626.
Questions, concerns and suggestions are always welcome.