Don't Wait -- Register Your Child for Head Start Now

JOHNSTON -- There’s just one month left until the start of the 2015-16 Head Start school year -- and Tri-Town Community Action Agency is still accepting applications for its classrooms in Johnston, North Providence, and Burrillville.

“This is the perfect time for parents to register their children for Head Start and avoid the last-minute rush,” said Tri-Town Community Action CEO Joseph DeSantis. “By completing the registration process now, local parents can ensure a place for their kids in our high-quality early education program.”

Head Start is free to children from families who meet federal income guidelines – a family of three with annual income of $20,090 would qualify, for example – or other qualifications.

At this point, the agency is continuing to fill its waiting list in case earlier applicants relocate or drop from the program, according to Family and Community Outreach Specialist Barbara Chadwick.

Currently, Tri-Town has an enrollment target of 134 preschool students in Head Start and 58 infants, toddlers, and newborns in the Early Head Start program, Chadwick explained, adding that the program is open to children from birth to 5, so expectant mothers can also apply.

Tri-Town runs Head Start centers at its main office, 1126 Hartford Ave., Johnston; 79 Waterman Ave. and 2204 Mineral Spring Ave. in North Providence; and 185 Main St. in Burrillville. All centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and rated by the Bright Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System, Chadwick noted.

To start the application process, contact Tri-Town Community Action Head Start at (401) 519-1979 or Barbara Chadwick at bchadwick@tri-town.org. More information, including the Parents Handbook and annual report, is available on the Tri-Town website, www.tri-town.org