Early Head Start

Head Start Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in Head Start/Early Head Start!

Please complete the application with as much detail as possible. If you need assistance applying, please call our office at 1-800-832-6082 and follow the automated prompts and/or request to speak with someone in Head Start. Once your application is received, a Lakes and Pines' staff member will contact you to complete the application process and verify the data provided.

Head Start Application Form

Home-Based Program

Available in Aitkin, Carlton, Mille Lacs, Pine, Kanabec, Chisago, and Isanti Counties. For families where at least one caregiver is home during the day. Families receive weekly home visits and socialization opportunities for the parent and child.

The Home-Based Program consists of:

• Full-year programming
• Weekly one and a half hour visits in your home jointly planned by parents/guardians and a trained Home-Based Educator using approved early childhood curriculum.
• Lesson plans specifically designed for you and your child to promote the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of infants and toddlers through safe and developmentally enriching caregiving.
• Socialization opportunities to interact with other parents and children in a classroom setting. There is a parent/child activity time with activities for parents and children to do together. Socializations are held every other week and a meal is provided for all family members present.
• Parent meetings for sharing and planning.

Early Head Start Centers

Lakes and Pines Head Start operates three (3) Child Care Centers; one in Chisago City and one in Cloquet, and one in Mora will be opening soon. These are Minnesota licensed Child Care Centers and Four Star Parent Aware rated. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Early Head Start also provides diapers.

The Early Head Start Center options consist of:

• Full-year programing.
• Approved early childhood/preschool curriculum with structured, age-appropriate activities with qualified staff.
• Regular meetings between parents and Head Start staff.
• Opportunities throughout the year to interact with other families.

Child Care Center Partnerships

Lakes and Pines Early Head Start Partners with a licensed Child Care Center provider in Pine City. This option is Four Star Parent Aware rated. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Early Head Start also provides diapers during Early Head Start class hours.

The Child Care Center and Family Child Care options consists of:

• Full-year programing.
• Approved preschool curriculum with structured, age-appropriate activities with qualified staff.
• Regular visits to sites by Head Start staff and licensing checks to help ensure quality of care.
• Regular meetings between parents and Head Start staff.
• Opportunities throughout the year to interact with other families.
**Head Start services are free, however, child care fees may apply.