Omaha Public Schools
Early Childhood Education
Head Start, Prekindergarten, and Educare
Application Days
Who is eligible for the Omaha Public Schools Early Childhood Education Program?
In order to be eligible for the 2011-2012 Prekindergarten Program children must:
- Be four years old on or before July 31, 2011.
- Have a completed application with all required paperwork submitted and on file.
- Qualify based on an assessment score.
- Reside within the boundaries of the Omaha Public Schools.
In order to be eligible for the 2011-2012 Head Start Program, children must:
- Be three or four years old on or before July 31, 2011.
- Meet federal income guidelines.
- Reside in Douglas County.
In order to be eligible for the 2011-2012 Early Head Start Program at Educare of Omaha children must:
- Be birth to three years old.
- Meet federal income guidelines.
- Reside in Douglas County.
· *Early Head Start will only take applications at Kellom and Indian Hills’ Early Childhood Application Days. If you are unable to attend one of these Application Days, please contact Educare of Omaha at one of the phone numbers listed below.
How do parents apply for Prekindergarten and/or Head Start or Head Start at Educare of Omaha?
You and your child attend one of the Early Childhood Education Application Days, complete the application process, have your child screened, and provide:
- A certified birth certificate for your child.
- Immunization records for your child.
- Proof of address (MUD, OPPD, Cox, Qwest bill, rental or purchase agreement).
- Income verification (Previous 12 months: 1040, W2 forms, 8453, 12-month statement of SSI or TANF/ADC, Child Support, Self-Declaration, 12 months of paycheck stubs, employment letter)
What are the similarities and differences between Prekindergarten and Head Start?
- Head Start and Prekindergarten both use Creative Curriculum in the classroom.
- Head Start and Prekindergarten teachers are all certified Early Childhood educators.
- Head Start provides a family support and parent involvement component.
- Head Start is available to all residents of Douglas County, regardless of school district boundaries.
- Head Start serves three and four year old students; Prekindergarten only serves children who are four on or before July 31, 2011.
If eligibility for the Prekindergarten program is based on an assessment score, why do I need to provide proof of income?
· The Omaha Public Schools offers early childhood education services in Prekindergarten
and Head Start classrooms. Early Head Start and Head Start eligibility is based on household income guidelines, while Prekindergarten eligibility is based on a screening score. If you are interested in having your child considered for placement by either program, income verification must be provided for eligibility verification by Head Start.
How is eligibility determined?
- Prekindergarten eligibility is based on the screening results of the student.
- Early Head Start and Head Start eligibility are based on income guidelines provided by the federal government.
Is the selection process first come, first served?
- No. Not all applicants will receive a placement in the Omaha Public Schools Early Childhood Education Program. Placements are made based on eligibility and the space available in the classroom.
When will I know if my child has been selected for the Early Childhood Education Program?
Prekindergarten
- Families who apply in March and April will be notified by the middle of May.
- Families who apply between May and mid-June will be notified by the end of June.
- Families who apply between mid-June and mid-July will be notified by the end of July.
- Families who apply late July and on will be notified as soon as possible after the application is complete and processed.
Early Head Start please indicate the selection process here
- Selection will begin in May.
- Parents confirm selection by attending a mandatory Enrollment meeting before the child’s first day of school.
- Children will be selected based upon the needs of the child and the family.
- Children will continue to be selected as seats become available throughout the program year.
Head Start
- Selection will begin in May.
- Parents confirm selection by attending a mandatory Enrollment meeting before the child’s first day of school.
- Children will be selected based upon the needs of the child and the family.
- Children will continue to be selected as seats become available throughout the program year.
What if my child is qualified but not selected for placement in the program at the beginning of the school year?
- Your child’s name will be placed on a waiting list.
- As openings occur in Prekindergarten classrooms, the Student Placement Office will contact you to see if you are interested in accepting placement in that classroom.
- As openings occur in Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms, the Educare Office or Head Start Central Office will contact you to see if you are interested in accepting placement in that classroom.
Early Childhood Education Application Days will be held a various elementary schools throughout the district during the months of February and March. Please check the district’s website (www.ops.org) to find the schedule of dates and times for each school. Families may complete the application process at any school having an Application Day and will be able to indicate the school of preference at the time of application.
Prekindergarten will begin accepting applications for the 2011-12 school year at the Teacher Administrative Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming St., Room 312, beginning April 4, 2010. If you have any questions, please call 557-2783.
Head Start takes applications Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at Howard Kennedy School, 2906 N. 30 Street. If you have any questions, please contact 827-5339.
Educare of Omaha takes applications Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at Educare Kellom, 2123 Paul Street or Educare Indian Hill, 3110 W Street. If you have any questions, please Educare Kellom at 898-1776 or Educare Indian Hill at 502-0352.