GARYVILLE — Pre-school applications are being accepted for the 2016-17 school year in St. John the Baptist Parish.

There are four pre-school programs: Head Start, LA-4, Model Early and Universal Pre-K.

In order to apply, a child must be 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2016. Every child will qualify for one of the pre-school programs, regardless of income.

Applying early is recommended.  The first preference deadline to apply is April 20.

Applications are available at the St. John Child Development Center, 117 Stebbins St. in Garyville and on the school district website at stjohn.k12.la.us. All applications must be submitted in person to the St. John Child Development Center.

Income verification is required when applying. Family income must be verified before a child’s eligibility for Head Start can be determined.

Also required are:

• Child’s birth certificate

• Child’s social security card

• Child’s medical insurance or Medicaid/ LaChip card

• Documentation of child’s disability, if applicable

• Child’s immunization record, as proof that all shots are up to date

Before a child can attend the Head Start program, the child will need a Head Start physical examination form signed by the child’s physician or clinic provider to show the child is free from communicable disease and immunizations are up to date.

Three-Year-Old Pre-School application forms are also available on the school district website.

For more information, call the St. John Child Development Center at 985-535-3917.