RESERVE — Will your preschooler be ready for kindergarten?

Research shows that children who have access to high quality preschool experiences excel in kindergarten.

Applications are being accepted for the 2017–18 Head Start program in St. John the Baptist Parish. There are only 170 slots that will be filled with Head Start students.

Why Head Start?

Head Start provides educational activities, qualified and nurturing teachers, nutritious meals and snacks, services for children with special needs, health check-ups, computer learning, creative arts and family services.

Head Start focuses on building the strengths of the entire family.

The first selection date for Head Start is March 16. These slots will fill up fast, so applications should be submitted in a timely manner.

Children must be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 30 to apply for Head Start. Applications can be picked up at the St. John Child Development Center at 117 Stebbins St. in Garyville, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Office at 118 W. 10th St. in Reserve and West St. John Elementary School at 2555 River Road in Edgard.

Applications are also available at stjohn.k12.la.us and available at all school sites.

Completed applications, with all required documentation, should be returned as soon as possible to the St. John Child Development Center. Staff will be able to assist with applications at the center.

Eligibility for Head Start is determined according to federal income guidelines issued by the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, as well as for children who have documented special needs or disabilities.

Current family income information and a copy of the child’s birth certificate, Social Security card and immunization record must accompany the application. Other items needed, if applicable, are proof of income, Social Security benefits award letter or check stub, U.S. entry papers, food stamp print out sheet, documentation of a disability and child’s health insurance card/Medicaid card/LaChip card.

If a parent is in school, verification from the school he or she is attending is required.

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