Early Head Start2024-10-11T04:57:56-07:00

Early Head Start is a federally funded community-based program for low-income families to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhance the development of very young children (birth to 3 years of age), and to support healthy family functioning.

Program Options

Benefits for the Entire Family

Parents as Partners

In our Head Start programs, we partner with parents and emphasize their role as the child’s first and most important teacher.

In partnership with parents, our staff:

  • Provides a positive, friendly and safe learning environment for children.

  • Engages parents with activities that provide meaningful parent-child interaction.

  • Shares and provides age-appropriate child development information to parents.

  • Promotes and helps parents observe their child’s development.

  • Addresses any parenting concerns.

  • Respects and incorporates child’s culture and home language, when appropriate.

Parent and family engagement services include an extensive parent education program that emphasizes fulfillment of parental responsibilities and family self sufficiency. CDR provides all family support services in the family’s primary language, recognizing and honoring cultural preferences and traditions.

Always Accepting Applications

Head Start will accept applications throughout the year and enroll children as spaces become available. Parents with kids who have disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Early Head Start Eligibility Requirements:

  • Families living in Ventura County

  • Expectant mothers and children up to age 3

  • Priority is given to families whose income falls within Federal Poverty Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to apply for Head Start or Early Head Start Programs?2019-01-16T02:34:24-08:00

A Head Start/Early Head Start Waiting List and Enrollment Application. The documents highlighted below must be attached to expedite processing:

A) Child’s Birth Certificate

B) Proof of Family’s Gross Annual Income: 1040’s, W-2’s for every employment held, Income documentation of the last 12 months, Current Notice of Action for Cal Works/TANF Cash Aid

C) Child’s current Immunization Record.

D) For expected mothers, Proof of Pregnancy with expected delivery date.

Take or mail application with attached copies of documents to the nearest Head Start Center or the CDR Main office located at: 221 E. Ventura Blvd. Oxnard, CA 93036. (805) 485-7878. Fax: (805) 278-0485. TDD (805) 278-0855. To download a Head Start/Early Head Start Application or for locations of Head Start Centers, visit our website at www.cdrv.org

How can I get involved with Head Start and Early Head Start?2019-01-21T17:32:42-08:00

Head Start and Early Head Start programs welcome and encourage parents and families to get involved in their child’s education. You can find out more about getting involved by contacting the CDR Head Start department.

Eligibility is based on income, age of child and family size.

What are my other options if my child is ineligible?2019-01-05T03:15:52-08:00

Child Development Resources also administers the Resource and Referral Programs. Contact this department to obtain assistance to help you locate other   Child Care and/or Pre-school Programs services in your community.  Contact them directly at 1(805) 485-7878 Ext. 1512.

What if my income level is over the family income guidelines?2019-01-05T03:13:54-08:00

Good news! When available, Head Start programs can enroll a limited number of children whose families are above the income guidelines.  Complete the application process to be considered.

Does Head Start and Early Head Start Programs accept children with disabilities or special needs?2019-01-05T03:11:45-08:00

Yes, we do! We know that all children deserve a Head Start. Our agencies are required to have a certain number of students enrolled that have an individual education plan (IEP) or an individual family service plan (IFSP).

Does Supplemental Security Income (SSI) count if the parent or sibling are the recipients?2019-01-05T03:09:45-08:00

Yes, if any parent or sibling are receiving Supplemental Security Income family is income eligible. No other form of income documentation is required.

Are homeless families eligible to enroll their child(ren) into Head Start or Early Head Start Programs?2019-01-05T03:01:19-08:00

Yes, Families experiencing Homelessness are eligible, regardless of family income. Contact your local Head Start Center to find out more about eligibility.

Are children in foster care eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start?2019-01-05T02:59:15-08:00

Yes, children in foster care are eligible, regardless of family income. Contact your local Head Start Center to find out more about eligibility.

Are families eligible if they receive public assistance?2019-01-05T02:55:42-08:00

Yes, Families receiving TANF/CalWORKs are eligible, regardless of family income. Contact your local Head Start Center to find out more about eligibility.

How would my child be eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start Programs?2019-01-16T03:29:22-08:00

Eligibility is based on family income, family size, and age of your child. Early Head Start is for children from birth to age three and pregnant mothers. Head Start is for children ages three to five years.

How can I find a program near me?2019-01-17T06:43:51-08:00

Click here to find the Head Start programs near you!  You can also call us directly at 1-805-485-7878 Ext. 470.

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