By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board will begin accepting applications for the Head Start program for the 2010-11 school year beginning March 8.

According to its mission statement, “Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.”

To be eligible, a child must be 3 years old by Sept. 30, although first consideration will be given to children who turn 4 by the same date because they will be entering kindergarten next year.

Applications for the program can be picked up at the St. John Child Development Center at 117 Stebbins St. in Garyville, the former site of Sixth Ward School, as well as at the district’s central office on West 10th Street in Reserve, West St. John Elementary School in Edgard and Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in LaPlace. All applications, however, must be returned to the St. John Child Development Center.

In addition to the application form, applicants will need the following: a copy of the child’s birth certificate or U.S. entry papers; copies of the parents’ last two check stubs if they are employed or a current copy of the budget sheet if they are receiving welfare or food stamps; if the parent receives Social Security benefits, a copy of the Social Security award letter or check; a copy of the child’s up-to-date immunization record; a copy of the child’s health insurance card/Medicaid card/LaChip card, if any; a copy of the child’s social security card; documentation of any handicapping condition; and if the parent is in school, verification from the school of attendance.

Call the St. John Child Development Center at 985-535-2713 with any questions. Instructions are also available in Spanish.