LAS CRUCES – Recruitment is underway for the LCPS Head Start program, which services to more than 400 students in Las Cruces and to parents and families. Recruitment for the Head Start program will continue through March for the current school year, said Dr. Maria Artiaga, coordinator. The Head Start program also makes available 10 percent of its slots to children with disabilities. Parents of disabled children are required to submit an application and go through the same process as all other parents.
To apply parents need to go to the Head Start Office located at Valley View Elementary, 915 E. California Ave. Parents must provide the child’s original birth certificate and family’s income received by the family (child support, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), financial aid, etc.) at the time the application is completed.
Head Start is an optional early childhood program funded by the federal government that provides services to children and families who fall within federal poverty guidelines. The program is for three- and four-year-olds who must be of age by August 31 of the current school year.
The Head Start programs are available at the following 11 LCPS elementary school sites: Booker T. Washington, César E. Chávez, Columbia, Conlee, Doña Ana, Hermosa Heights, Loma Heights, MacArthur, Mesilla Park, Tombaugh and Valley View. Head Start operates a full-day (8:00 – 2:30 p.m.) four-year-old program at Booker T. Washington and César Chávez. All other programs at the above sites are half-day (7:45 – 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) for three-and four-year-olds.
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Head Start is funded for 413 students in Las Cruces. All 413 students receive services in center-based programs which include: educational instruction, health and nutrition services, disability services, counseling, parent engagement services and activities. Medical and dental examinations are required for all children who participate in the Head Start program. If funding is available, medical and dental exams and follow-ups are paid for by the Head Start program. Psychological and social services are provided to Head Start children and their families as identified through referrals to community resources. School breakfast, lunch and snack services are provided to Head Start students by the school district.
For more information, contact Head Start Coordinator Dr. Maria Artiaga at 575.527.6020 or martiaga@lcps.k12.nm.us or visit http://lcps.k12.nm.us/departments/instruction/federal-programs/head-start/.