Head Start Applications Now Available Online

Head Start Applications Now Available Online

Those wanting to apply for the Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Head Start program, will have to do so online this year. Courtesy photo

ROCK SPRINGS — Parents planning to enroll their children in the Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Head Start program now have the option to apply online.

“Typically, the applications for Head Start are done in person,” said Erin Barbuto, SCSD No. 1 Head Start Family and Community Partnerships Manager. “The face-to-face discussion is an important part of starting a relationship with parents. However, for now, applications will be done virtually.”

Head Start will have an online application where parents can start the process by entering some basic information about their family.

Advertisement - Story continues below...

“This isn’t ideal. Head Start is based on building relationships with families and it’s a little harder to do this over the phone,” Barbuto said. “But we can still do it. We will all be patient with each other. Please help to spread the word so that families who need Head Start will be able to be a part of our program.”

After the basic information has been completed, parents will be asked to set up a phone or video conference by calling the school at 307-352-3430. Barbuto said parents will need to provide immunization records, income information, and birth certificates which can be scanned and emailed.

“We are working on digitizing forms we typically fill out on paper to make it easier to share information,” she said. “Families can begin applying immediately. It may take some time for us to get back to them, but we will. Families are also welcome to call our school. Although we are all working remotely, we will get the phone calls.”

Who Can Apply?

“Head Start is a unique program. It is a free preschool and family service program designed to help families who have had a hard time,” Barbuto said. “To apply, families need to provide information about their family’s income over the past year…”

Children must be 3 or 4 years old and live in Rock Springs or Green River. Even though Head Start will take applications right up to the beginning of school this fall, parents are encouraged to apply earlier so they have a better chance of securing a place in the school.

Head Start is serving 85 students in Rock Springs and 15 students in Green River. It has two different class options—4 hours a day for 4 days a week and 6 ½ hours a day for 5 days a week. Head Start is a comprehensive program providing high-quality early childhood education, health and nutrition services, and support for the entire family.

To get started, a family can either call the school at (307) 352-3430 or click the link to access the online application.

The link is also found on Head Starts’ Facebook page and the school website.