Oak Ridge Schools' Preschool Head Start

The mission of the Oak Ridge Schools' Preschool Program is to provide opportunities for children that will allow them to enter kindergarten with background knowledge and skills necessary for active participation in learning.

Head Start generally serves children ages 3 to 5 who meet local eligibility requirements. Pregnant women and children from birth to 3 years of age are eligible for Early Head Start services. Children and families who are homeless, in foster care, or receive TANF or SSI are also eligible for services. Eligibility is determined by Head Start program staff and some families may be eligible for services if they are determined to be at or below the federal poverty level. Some grantees enroll a percentage of children from families with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines as well.

Families are encouraged to apply.

Child Find, Head Start, and Governor's Pre-K EnrollmentThe application for admission runs concurrently with the Oak Ridge Schools' Child Find. Child Find consists of developmental, speech, language, vision and hearing screenings for children birth to five. It is a service to the community, whether or not the child is applying to the Preschool. Those interested in applying to the Preschool are also asked to complete the program application, a Family and Developmental History and a verification of income. Children with identified or suspected special needs (speech, language, motor or developmental) are offered services automatically. Others are ranked according to the selection criteria and notified during the summer of their admission status. A waiting list, prioritized by need, is maintained to fill vacancies that occur during the school year.