Family Eligibility Specialist (FES) completes Head Start applications on an ongoing basis. During the application process, parents will be informed of their eligibility status & their child’s name will be placed on the COPA waiting list. Parents will be provided information about findchildcarestanislaus.org & other child care programs in the area if they do not meet the Head Start eligibility requirements.
Regulations & Policy
HS Performance Standard 1302.12
Prior to initial enrollment & at the time of roll-over, programs must certify each family's/child's eligibility. To learn about the regulations watch the video on Eligibility, complete the Knowledge Check & review the process below.
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Video Description: This video talks about Head Start Program Eligibility
Application & Enrollment Processes
These processes are intended to help guide staff through the application & enrollment process based upon the program model children are served in.
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Video Description: This video explains how to apply for enrollment
Completing Applications
Family Eligibility Specialists complete Head Start applications in COPA on an ongoing basis. Applications are completed with the parent/guardian through an interview process.
Required forms are included in How to Apply packets located at findchildcarestanislaus.org. The Income & Family Size worksheet must be included with each application. The forms listed below are used as applicable to the family's case.
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Application Process
All data regarding income, date of birth, immunization status & any special circumstances must be verified by the staff completing the application, health staff & management staff.
Process
FES or designee assists parents with documentation & completes application within COPA.
Place original Child Information Form on top of application.
Health staff approves immunization records. The STOP sign is used if not complete.
If applicable, disability staff verifies current IEP/IFSP.
FES organizes application documents for manager to review.
Using the monitoring tool, manager reviews & approves.
Manager or designee moves the application to the COPA Eligible/Accepted List indicating the program model.
FES maintains the application and supporting documentation within the Application Waiting List binder.
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Application Binders
Waiting List Binder
Monthly waiting list report, vacancy waiting list report & approved applications are maintained in the Eligible/Accepted Waiting List binder until a child is selected for enrollment.
Incomplete, Ineligible or Declined Application Binder
Applications that are incomplete, ineligible or have been declined enrollment are maintained in a separate binder.
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Monitoring
A Grantee monitoring review will be held every program year. In addition, self-monitoring must be documented and occur as follows:
ERSEA: Within first 45 days
FPA Assessment & Goals: Within 90 days
Case Conferencing: Quarterly
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Knowledge Check
Are you ready to check for understanding? No worries, if you do not do well the first time, you can take the Knowledge Check a second time.
Good luck my friend!
