CKCAC Head Start and Early Head Start is a free comprehensive preschool program, for children ages 2 to 5 years old, that promotes School Readiness for income eligible families in the Marion, Washington, Nelson, Larue, Hardin, and Meade county communities. Each component of Head Start and Early Head Start supports early learning development, health needs and family well-being. High quality services are delivered in a center-based format that encourages positive relationships, parent child engagement and parents as leaders. Head Start continues to adjust provided services virtually to accommodate families’ needs as adverse community experiences arise. Central Kentucky Head Start provides a safe environment for children and parents. Head Start recognizes parents as their child’s first teacher and strives to educate parents to be advocates for their children and their academic success. Faculty participates in on-going professional development to ensure best practices are provided to children and families to support kindergarten readiness and family well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is my child eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start?
A: Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.
Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.
Q: Are children in Foster care eligible for Head Start?
A: Children in foster care are Head Start eligible, regardless of family income.
Q: Does Head Start accept children with disabilities or Special Needs?
A: The Head Start Act of 2007 requires that, beginning in fiscal year 2009 (i.e. beginning October 1, 2008) "not less than 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled by each Head Start agency and each delegate agency will be children with disabilities who are determined to be eligible for special education and related services, or early intervention services...by the State or local agency providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.)."
Q: What if my income is higher than the Poverty Guidelines?
A: Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions described in the section 645 (a)(1)(B)(iii)(II) of the Head Start Act have been met.
Q: How can I get involved with Head Start?
A: Head Start welcomes volunteers. By becoming a volunteer you can help in the classroom and at home and support parent education. Your volunteer experience may later qualify you for training which can help you find employment in the childcare field. Head Start supports parents/guardians through leadership opportunities for multiple committees that are apart of the decision-making infrastructure.
Q: Why should I choose Head Start for my child?
A: Central Kentucky Head Start is a full day program that supports both the child’s academic needs and the family’s well-being through activities such as goal setting and resource connections.
For questions or more information, please feel free to visit our website at www.centralkyheadstart.org or contact the administration team at 270-692-2136. The administration team includes the following individuals:

Tammy Stanley Interim Director tammy.stanley@ckyhs.org

Jewell Bartley Quality Assurance mbartley@ckyhs.org

Debra Fisher Facilities and Transportation debra.fisher@ckyhs.org

Thomas Bland Maintenance thomas.bland@ckyhs.org

Cole Parson Software System Specialist michael.parson@ckyhs.org

Ebony Smith Mental Health Manager ebony.smith@ckyhs.org

Tammy Sluder Center Manager Director tammy.sluder@ckyhs.org

Josie Harlan Education Manager josie.harlan@ckyhs.org

Stephanie Lee Disabilities Manager slee@ckyhs.org

Amy Hagan Health and Nutrition Manager amy.hagan@ckyhs.org

Melissa Garrett ERSEA Manager melissa.garrett@ckyhs.org

Nicole Smith ERSEA/Data Entry Specialist nicole.smith@ckyhs.org

Ann Pickerrell School Readiness Manager ann.pickerrell@ckyhs.org

Stephanie Harrison Parent Family Community Engagement Manager stephanie.harrison@ckyhs.org