1. What if we do not qualify?
   
   Families who may not meet income guidelines can call their local school district to find a Michigan School Readiness Program (MSRP) or a pay to attend preschool.
   
   

2. If I am a guardian of a child or foster parent can they attend Head Start? If you have a child who you have legal custody or guardianship of that child may be eligible to attend Head Start. If you have a foster child in your home they are automatically qualified and may attend Head Start.
   
   

3. Why does my child need a physical and dental to start?
   
   Head Start is a family program that places high regard on health. It is a state licensing requirement that your child has an annual physical and up to date shots. It is a Head Start requirement that your child visits the dentist.
   
   

4. Why do I see busses in my neighborhood and I have to drive my child?
   
   Head Start does provide transportation through MCCSA's Transportation department. Bus services, length of the bus route, and the exact location of your home are all factors affecting availability.
   
   

5. What if my child has a special diet or my child is a picky eater?
   
   At Head Start we encourage "no thank you bites" of foods that are new to the children, we do not force children to eat. Accommodations will be met to service the needs of children with special dietary needs or allergies.
   
   

6. What if my child still has potty accidents?
   
   Occasional potty accidents are developmentally appropriate for young children. The Head Start teaching staff will assist your child in getting cleaned up and changed. A change of clothing must be on-hand in the classroom for your child in case of spills or potty accidents.
   
   

7. Why does it look like they are just playing when I go to visit?
   
   When you see your child "just" playing you may not realize that they are learning - they may not realize they are learning! When your child is playing with play dough they are strengthening their hand muscles which will later help them to write words. While your child is playing in the dramatic play area they are learning how to be social, share and relate to their peer through problem solving skills. When your child is playing in the block area they are comparing, measuring, and building to represent things they have seen. These are math skills. Your child IS learning through play.

8. Can I visit my child's class?
   
   Absolutely! All Head Start classrooms have an open door policy that encourages you to visit your child any time you can without an advanced phone call or invitation. If you have a half-hour or a whole day please come in and visit. Your child will feel so important and know that their school is important to you as well.
   
   

9. Is my child going to learn to read in Head Start?
   
   Head Start students are learning pre-reading skills daily. Some children may be reading at the end of the year and some may not. It is not developmentally appropriate to expect a three-year-old to know how to read. Head Start emphasizes the importance of literacy experiences through out the whole school year.
   
   

10. How do you discipline?
    
    Head Start uses positive behavior support (PBS) for classroom and behavior management. Using PBS techniques Head Start staff uses praise for appropriate behaviors and we do not offer negative attention for inappropriate behaviors. Head Start staff and volunteers will be modeling appropriate school behavior.
    
    

11. What if my child gets hurt while at Head Start?
    
    When registering your child for Head Start you signed a "permission to treat" form that will allow us to take your child for emergency treatment if it becomes necessary. Minor injuries will be dealt with in class and you will receive an accident report from your child's teacher. In any situation involving a major injury you will be notified immediately. This is an example of why your child's emergency information sheet needs to be correct and up to date at all times.
    
    

12. What if my child gets sick while in school?
    
    If your child becomes ill at school we will contact you through the numbers you provided on your child's emergency sheet. If you are not available we will continue to call the other contact numbers you have provide until we find someone who can pick your child up from class. Please be sure to provide adequate emergency contact information to your child's teacher, this is crucial.
    
    

13. Why does my child's teacher need to visit my home and what are they looking for?
    
    Head Start teachers visit your home to encourage a relationship between school and families. Research has shown that a positive relationship between teacher and families fosters your child's learning experience. We will answer questions you may have, discuss your child's development, help you with needed resources and leave you with a home activity.
    

Email: mccsa@macombcountymi.gov
When emailing questions regarding services, please include your name, phone number or other contact information, and city of residence. This helps us to serve you more efficiently.