Apply for Head Start

Returning Families

If your child is currently enrolled and will be returning in the fall, you DO NOT need to do anything. Watch for the packet of paperwork that will be sent home on May 1st!

Enrolling a sibling?

Do you have another child that ready to apply for Head Start? There is no need to complete the full application if you have had a child enrolled in the past, currently have a child enrolled, or even if you have turned in an application and were not able to get in. Simply click on the location you would like your child to attend and complete the form. Our enrollment staff will contact you.

Are you new to Head Start and interested in your child attending our program? Apply online or by paper application.

Eligibility

Our Head Start program is funded for 107 children from age three to five. Eligible criteria include: families with incomes below the poverty guidelines, children from homeless families, families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI, and foster children. A limited number of children from families over the poverty guidelines may be served once all eligible children have been enrolled.

When you turn in your child's application, we need the following documentation:

Birth certificate
Immunization record
Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, SSI, TANF, SNAP)
- NOTE: The forms below only need to be completed if they apply to your situation.
  - Form: "Homeless Verification"
  - Form: "Eligibility Document for Families with Zero Income"

**2025 Head Start Income Guidelines**

**for 48 Contiguous States and DC**
# of People in Family	100% Poverty Guidelines	130% Poverty Guidelines
2	$ 21,150	$ 27,495
3	$ 26,650	$ 34,645
4	$ 32,150	$ 41,795
5	$ 37,650	$ 48,945
6	$ 43,150	$ 56,095
7	$ 48,650	$ 63,245
8	$ 54,150	$ 70,395
More than 8 persons	Add $5,500 for each additional person	Add $7,215 for each additional person

Source (January 15, 2025) https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What time and days do children attend? Children attend Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (No Head Start on Wednesdays).

Mandan classroom hours:
- 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CT (2 classrooms)
- 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT (1 classrooms)
- 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT (2 classrooms)
Carson classroom hours:
- 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT
New Salem classroom hours:
- 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT

Is transportation available? Transportation is not available in Mandan. Limited transportation is available in Carson and New Salem. Call for more details.

Who is considered family? Family means all persons living in the same household who are supported by the child’s parent(s)’ or guardian(s)’ income; and are related to the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) by blood, marriage, or adoption; or are the child’s authorized caregiver or legally responsible party.

My child turns 3 during the school year. Can I apply when he/she turns 3? Yes, you can apply for your child to attend when he/she turns 3...even in the middle of the school year.

How old can my child be to enroll at Head Start? We serve ages 3 to 5. Once your child is old enough for kindergarten, we can no longer enroll him/her in Head Start. In North Dakota your child is eligible for kindergarten if your child will be 5 by...

July 31, 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year
July 31, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year

How can I get a copy of my child's birth certificate? If the child was born in North Dakota, contact ND Vital Records.

How can I get a copy of my child's immunization record? Call your child's physician or request your child's immunization record online through the ND Immunization Information System (NDIIS).

Our family is over the income limit. Can I pay for my child to attend Head Start? Families who are within the income guidelines are given priority. If slots are available after serving the families in the eligible categories, we may enroll a limited number of children who are over the income limit. We do not charge any family for Head Start services.

Will my child need a physical and dental exam? Yes, only when the child has been accepted into Head Start. If your child has seen a doctor or dentist in the last 12 months, the doctor or dentist can complete our form to meet this requirement.

Dental Exam / Oral Health Form file size: 237 kb

Well Child Form file size: 144 kb