New Eligibility for Head Start

On April 21, 2022 the Office of Head Start released an information memorandum that added Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to Head Start's categorical eligibility criteria.

Currently, families that are experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, or families that receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) are considered to be categorically eligible for Head Start. We are very happy to have SNAP now included in this category.

Families that are categorically eligible for Head Start receive priority for entering Head Start, if there is an enrollment spot available. This also expedites the application process as families only need to provide documentation for that categorical eligibility factor, such as an award letter. All families applying for program are required to provide proof of their child's date of birth and proof of their residency, with the exception of families experiencing homelessness. Our program staff will always assist families in getting any documentation needed for the application, so even if a family is missing any of these documents our staff is here to help.

We anticipate that this recent change will make applying for Head Start easier than ever for families. Families who previously applied for program who may not have been income eligible for services will now be automatically eligible for services if they receive SNAP benefits.

Please contact our Enrollment Specialist, Katie Carr, at 585-268-7605 extension 1525 or email her at kcarr@accordcorp.org if you have any questions about our program or if you are interested in completing an application for your child.