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

Please complete the interest form with as much detail as possible. If you need assistance, 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 interest form is received, a Lakes and Pines' staff member will contact you to complete the application process.

Head Start Application Form

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 Option consists of:

• • Programing runs September through May.
• • Weekly 1 1/2 hour visits in your home jointly planned by parents and a trained Home Based Educator using approved preschool curriculum.
• • Lesson plans specifically designed for you and your child centered around early learning and development, health, family well-being, and to prepare the child to enter Kindergarten.
• • Staff will assist in completing a Family Partnership Agreement which helps identify family strengths, resources needed, and family goals.
• • Families can request visits with a Thrive Coach if they’re experiencing a difficult family situation, crisis, or would like additional help with family goals.
• • Socialization opportunities to interact with other parents and children in a classroom setting are offered. There is a parent/child activity time and activities are set out 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.

Lakes and Pines Head Start operates three (3) Child Care Centers; one in Chisago City, Mora, and Cloquet. These are Minnesota licensed Child Care Centers and are Four Star Parent Aware rated. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Children do not need to be potty trained and Head Start provides pull-ups during class hours. We will work with parents to create a consistent a routine as possible in potty training efforts.

The Head Start Center options consist of:

• • Programming runs September through May.
• • Approved 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.

Head Start Partners with licensed Child Care Center providers in Pine City and Barnum and licensed Family Child Cares in Milaca and Princeton. These options are Four Star Parent Aware rated. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Children do not need to be potty trained and Head Start provides pull-ups during class hours. We will work with parents to create a consistent a routine as possible in potty training efforts.

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

• • Full year programming.
• • 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.

Head Start Partners with School Districts in Cambridge, Pine City, Princeton. A partnership with North Branch will begin fall of 2024. Depending on class time breakfast or lunch and a snack will be provided. Children do not need to be potty trained and Head Start provides pull-ups during class hours. We will work with parents to create a consistent a routine as possible in potty training efforts.

The Part-Time Center options consists of:

• • Programming follows the school district schedule, typically September through May.
• • Approved preschool curriculum with structured, age-appropriate activities in a classroom setting.
• • Blended classroom consisting of a school district teacher and a Head Start teacher.
• • Regular meetings between parents and Head Start staff.
• • Opportunities throughout the school year to interact with other families.