Frequently Asked Questions

Are any children AUTOMATICALLY placed in Head Start? No child is automatically placed in Head Start and all children must qualify in the same manner (this includes children with disabilities, children in foster care, and children of Head Start employees). Once points are awarded, all applications go into the Systematic Selection process. Selections begin at the top of the list and work their way down.  Once all slots are filled with the applicants with the highest points the waiting list is maintained to fill slots throughout the year as they become available. 

What documents are required to apply for Head Start?  Proof of income, proof of address, proof of birth, and current shot records.

How is eligibility determined? This is based on income and age.  Families who receive SNAP benefits, SSI, TANF, or are homeless are categorically eligible for Head Start (not enrolled but eligible to be on the Systematic Selection).

How are applicants selected? Applicants are selected by our Systematic Selection which is driven by a points system.  The children with the highest points are accepted.

Can over-income children be accepted into Head Start?  Yes, we can serve up to 10% of our total enrollment, program-wide, with over-income children.  Each over-income applicant must be individually approved by the Deputy Director.

What is this packet of information I receive from Head Start Disabilities? The Head Start program standards and Child Find require the Head Start Disabilities staff “refer” a child with a suspected disability to the district in a timely manner. When Head Start Disabilities staff are notified of a child with a possible disability concern, the Disabilities staff will first review the child’s medical and educational information, consult with the teacher, observe the student, make recommendations, and determine next steps with the teacher.  If the Head Start Disabilities staff think the child may need additional assistance, the child’s information packet will be sent to the campus principal/designee for two purposes; to meet the Head Start and Child Find standards of notifying the administrator of a possible disability concern and to provide all of the information collected by the Head Start Disabilities staff in reference to the concern. It is the final decision of the campus administrator to make a district referral.

Does the district have to test a child that Head Start refers to me? No. The packet of student information is sent to the campus administrator as a notification of a concern. The campus administrator will determine the next steps to address the student’s concern.

A teacher has a very serious behavior issue.  What do I do?  If it is an emergency situation, contact your assigned Student Support Specialist or the Student Support Coordinator immediately.

Can I send a Head Start Child home for the day for behavior?  Yes, if the safety of the child or other children/adults comes into play, you can have the child go home for the day.  Ensure the Family Service Worker is in the loop so they can report it to their supervisor.  Ensure the teacher has placed a referral in Child Plus.  The child must be able to return to school the next day.  Head Start children can not be expelled or unenrolled due to behavior.  

Can a Head Start child go to a half-day schedule?  There are times, due to the safety, this is necessary but will be rare.  This decision is determined by the Student Support Coordinator and campus principal.

Who supervises & evaluates the Family Service Worker (FSW)?  Their assigned Region 7 ESC Administrator (See your site)

What do they do? Primarily serve as a parent support/liasion between Head Start and the campus.  They assist parents with community resources, family goals and  helping parents with child health and dental visits. They also support the supervision and safety of the children.

How much time can they spend in the classroom?  Up to 1 1/2 hours each day, including arrival and dismissal times.  

Can they be utilized as substitutes? Only in emergencies and as a last resort.  FSWA's are required to document all unexpected time spent in classrooms.

Are there things they should not do?  Disciplining a child and changing diapers. However, they can step in a class to help with ratio if a teacher needs to step out with a child. 

Can FSWA's be pulled for any ISD duties like STARR training/testing or non-HS related PRofessional Development? No.  Due to funding streams they are not allowed to participate.

Is breakfast required? Children must be offered a breakfast upon arrival.  If they do not want it, that is ok.

Are adults required to eat with the children?  Yes, two adults must eat at the table(s) with the children and engage in family-style conversation.  These adults can't be on "cafeteria duty" at the same time or sit at separate tables than the children. We pay for their cafeteria lunches.

What if a parent sends a lunch with a child?  We strongly encourage parents not to do this due to the variety of  required and healthy options given by the cafeteria.  If a parent sends a nutritious lunch with their child, the child must be offered a cafeteria tray, too.  FSW's can contact our Nutrition Specialist if they think a deeper conversation is needed. If an unhealthy lunch is sent (ex: soda, chips, desserts), we kindly send the lunch back home with a note inside as to why.

Can I use corporal punishment on a Head Start child?  No. 

Can a HS child be expelled or suspended?  No.  A child may have to be sent home for the rest of the day due to safety reasons. FSW's are to report this to us to ensure we have Student Support monitoring the situation.

What ratio is required?  2 adults per Head Start class at all times with the exception of a "5-minute rule".  One adult can be left for up to 5 minutes alone to take a health break or walk a child to the office. 

Who supervises the teacher and teaching assistant?  Campus Administrator

Who evaluates the teacher and teaching assistant? Campus Administrator

What does the Education Coach do?  Works in conjunction with the teaching staff and administrator to set goals for classroom success.

What are the credentials required for teacher and teaching assistant?  Same as PK, per TEA High Quality standards (see Teacher Qualification Requirements below)

6/20/25 Does the new TEA guidance regarding Title 1 staff requirements apply to our Head Start teaching staff?  No, this particular requirement is only for "Standalone" HS programs. 

We have an additional floater provided by Head Start, what do they do?  These additional staff are provided mainly to help with supervision and safety of students.  They must spend 100% of their time in a Head Start classroom due to funding streams.

How do my teachers know about what is expected of them?  The teachers have their own resource page with a manual of expectations.  Each teacher is trained at Pre-Service on expectations and an Education coach is assigned to them and follow-up with them frequently. They also sign a Teacher agreement, which includes being responsible for potty training/changing diapers, if needed.  They may also work with your campus nurse to take care of any tolieting accidents.

Is their specific training required for my teaching staff?  Yes, each teacher is given this information at the beginning of the year.  Trainings are also listed in the calendar section of the Principal Hub.

Are home visits required?  Yes, Head Start requires two home visits during the school year.  The first home visit is required within the first 45 days of school. We strongly encourage visits in the homes but if safety is a concern or a parent refuses, a neutral location or the school can be used.

What are the needed qualifications of a Head Start Teacher and a Head Start Teaching Assistant? Teachers need to have a Bachelor's degree, preferably in Early Childhood or equivalent and be EC Certified OR degreed and currently enrolled in an Alternative Certification program with the intent of passing all certification tests. See diagram below to see how TEA and OHS work together with their qualifications.