Head Start/California State Preschool Programs
Head Start is a federally funded child development program dedicated to providing quality preschool education. These programs serve low-income 3– and 4-year old children and their families.
Head Start Enrollment Program Options
Our experienced and qualified teachers create a stimulating classroom environment and design activities that help children learn as they explore and begin to understand the world. Our classrooms offer a safe environment where children become more confident and form good habits while they play in learning centers, socialize and solve problems. Teachers use the classroom as the learning environment; services are delivered through preschool education, parents/staff goal setting, conferences, and educational family connection events that focus on a variety of topics.
The home-visit option is designed for families where the home is the child’s primary learning environment. Families receive high-quality child development and parent support services, with an emphasis on the role of the parent as the child’s first and most important teacher. Participants in this program receive a combination of weekly home visits, group socialization activities, and parent education.
The Benefits of Head Start for the Entire Family
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.
Head Start Eligibility Requirements:
Please review the eligibility requirements below before applying for a Head Start program.
Eligibility is based on income, age of child, and family size. 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.
How to Apply for Head Start
To start your Head Start application, download the application form below, fill it out, and bring or mail it with the required 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. For a seamless application experience, please contact us for guidance to ensure your application is complete and processed without any issues.
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:
Parent and family engagement services include an extensive parent education program emphasizing fulfilling parental responsibilities and family self-sufficiency. CDR provides support services in the family’s primary language, recognizing and honoring cultural preferences and traditions.
Disclaimer: This website is supported by Grant Number 09CH012510 and 09HP000538 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Child Development Resources of Ventura County, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
Civil Rights
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email: Program.Intake@usda.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
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
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.
Child Development Resources also administers the Resource and Referral Programs. Contact this department to obtain assistance in locating other child care and/or preschool programs and services in your community. Contact them directly at 1(805) 485-7878 Ext. 1512.
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.
Yes, we do! We know that all children deserve Head Start. Our agencies are required to enroll a certain number of students with an individual education plan (IEP) or an individual family service plan (IFSP).
Yes, if any parent or sibling are receiving Supplemental Security Income family is income eligible. No other form of income documentation is required.
Yes, Families experiencing Homelessness are eligible, regardless of family income. Contact your local Head Start Center to find out more about eligibility.
Yes, children in foster care are eligible, regardless of family income. Contact your local Head Start Center to find out more about eligibility.
Yes, Families receiving TANF/CalWORKs are eligible, regardless of family income. Contact your local Head Start Center to find out more about eligibility.
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.
Click here to find the Head Start programs near you! You can also call us directly at 1-805-485-7878 Ext. 470.