Children and pregnant women from families with low-incomes may be eligible to participate and may enroll through a locally established selection process based upon income at or below the poverty line and other needs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services annually establishes Poverty Guidelines. Children in foster care or experiencing homelessness, receiving public assistance, and children with developmental disabilities are also eligible to be considered for participation. At least 10% of a program’s enrollment must be children with disabilities.

Anyone can apply for child care. We have locations throughout Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Bronx. Families who want to apply for child care in the FCCN cannot receive cash assistance. If they apply, they will get denied by ACS early learn, it is best to speak to your HRA case worker on how you can find child care.

We typically have 15 children in each Threes Class and 20 students in the threes/ Fours Class. We have 3 teachers per classroom, but we least two teachers (one head teacher and one assistant) per classroom. There are 8 children in a Two Year old classroom with at least 2 teachers.

No, we provide lunch and a snack for every child. Our facilities are all nut-free and our meals follow nutritional guidelines for healthy eating. If your family has special dietary or religious concerns, please reach out to us.

The Early Head Start & Head Start program is at no cost to the family. Income is not the only eligibility criterion. Other at-risk factors, such as homelessness and foster care are some of the determining factors for eligibility. Family Advocates can best answer these questions when you call.

The Family Child Care Program is income based, and the weekly fee is determined by ACS Early Learn.

Children receive a medical screening, are checked for immunizations, and receive an oral health screening. Children are referred for treatment when indicated by the results of the screenings. Efforts are made to assist families in obtaining ongoing sources of continuous, accessible medical and dental care.

Education Services

• Individualized learning programs

• Evidence and research-based curriculum

• Inclusion of children with special needs

• Family literacy activities

• Alignment of curriculum and assessments

• Goals for school readiness

Health Services

• Medical, dental, vision, and hearing screenings & referrals

• Nutrition services

• Health education

• Mental health screening and referrals

• Assistance in establishing a medical and dental home

Family Services

• Parent, family, and community engagement

• Links to community resources

• Family goal setting and parenting education

• Leadership opportunities through parent council involvement

• Parent education programs

• Support during the transition from Head Start to public schools

If a child needs support services in the classroom, we will work together with the parent, our mental health consultant, the teachers, the Director of Education and Disabilities as well as our Executive Director to create a plan to support the child’s needs and development. We have created partnerships with the Committee of Preschool Special Education of New York City. As well as with experienced Occupational Therapists. Speech Therapist, and Special Education Itinerant Teachers (SEIT).

No, your child does not need to wear uniform. We do recommend dressing your child according to the weather.

No, Head Start does not require a child to be potty trained for enrollment. Potty training is an important milestone in your child’s development. For many parents, it can also seem like one of the toughest parenting challenges.

At no cost to the family, our extended day is from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. It is only for current children whose parents are in school or working and is unable to pick up at 3:30pm

Our program hours are from 8 am to 6pm. School hours are from 8:30 am to 3:30pm. Children enrolled in the Family Child Care Program have the option to be enrolled from 8am to 6pm.

We have cameras in all our classrooms as well as our common spaces. The cameras are viewed and monitored by The Executive Directors, The Family Child Care Network Director, The Director of Education and Disabilities, and the Director of Family Services, Health and Nutrition.

Teachers are accessible daily for communication with parents during drop-off and pick-up times. Parents can reach teachers via their West Harlem email or by calling the center to request a formal meeting. Additionally, we conduct home visits twice a year and hold parent-teacher conferences three times a year.

In our center-based program, our daily schedule includes various activities:

• Arrival and dismissal

• Center time

• Small group activities

• Music and movement activities

• Outdoor playtime

• Naptime

• Meal times (breakfast, lunch, and snack)

• Special activities like:

  • New York Public Library visits twice a month for a read-aloud and related activity

  • Bilingual Birdies music program teaches Spanish through music and movement

  • Studio in a School program introduces teachers and students to diverse art mediums for exploration and engagement.

In our home based group care setting, our daily schedule will include:

• Free Choice Activities

• Meal Times (Breakfast, Lunch and Snack)

• Circle Time

• Small Group Activities

• Gross Motor Activities (Indoors or Outside, Weather Permitting)

• Story Time

• Rest Time

• Music and Movement

• Sensory Exploration

Our center-based program is not affiliated with the NYC Board of Education as we are federally funded by the Office of Head Start.

Our Family Child Care Providers speak a mixture of French (Wolof) and Spanish.

In the event we have to close West Harlem due to building issues, staff development, staffing, or a holiday/break, we will notify the families by email, noted on calendar/teacher boards, and my phone calls/text messages. When schools are closed due to inclement weather the Department of education, we will also close our doors. Make sure your email address & phone number is up to date and correct with your teacher or family advocate.

Between July 1 and December 31, all children ages 6 months to 59 months must receive one dose of flu vaccine if they attend day care, Head Start, pre-K or nursery school.

The Covid vaccine is not mandatory to be enrolled in Head Start.

All NYC students ages 2 months to 18 years must receive certain vaccinations. That includes children in public, private or parochial school, as well as those in day care, Head Start, pre-K or nursery school. Any child who does not meet these requirements will be sent home from school.The only children who do not require vaccination are those with medical exemptions. There are no religious exemptions for vaccination requirements in New York.

Visit your health care provider before school starts to get your child vaccinated.

There is no specific timeframe for how long you will remain on the waitlist. Enrollment is based on availability in the program/center you have chosen and selection is based on priority points assigned at time of application.

Yes