- Academics at Plano ISD
- Head Start at Plano ISD
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About Head Start Education in Plano ISD
Plano ISD Head Start is a federally funded program for Plano ISD children ages 3 or 4 by September 1 of the upcoming school year and their families who meet low income guidelines. Head Start programs are operated by local non-profits or public school organizations nationwide.
Plano ISD Head Start provides a safe and developmentally appropriate environment for preschool children to explore and experience social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth. Classrooms are designed for preschool children.
For additional information, contact the Head Start ERSEA/Enrollment Secretary at 469-752-7168.
Head Start Round-Up
Come join us during our Head Start Round-Up to determine if your child is eligible:
- February 17 - 21, 2025 (by appointment only)
Round-Up will be held at the Head Start offices located at:
Qualifications
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Qualifications
There are three basic requirements for prospective students:
- Age:
- Next School Year: The child must be three or four years old by September 1, 2025.
- The child must live within the boundaries of the Plano Independent School District.
- The family's income must fall within federal poverty level income guidelines.
In addition, students qualify if the student is homeless; or is in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care).
- Age:
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Social Services, Heath, & Mental Wellness
Parent Involvement
- Leadership training
- Volunteer training
- Parenting classes
- Family Events
- Adult Literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Social Services
- Assistance with application for Medicaid and other federal programs
- Directory of community resources
- Family Needs Assessment (FNA) and follow-up services
- Assistance with clothing, food, housing, educational/vocational needs
Health
- Assist parents in establishing medical and dental health homes
- Physical and oral health assessments, and assistance with follow-up services
- Vision and hearing screening, and referrals
- Immunization evaluations and referrals
- One-on-one consultations
- Health Advisory Committee consisting of local providers, parents, and stakeholders
- Liaison between family and provider as needed
Nutrition
- Nutritious breakfast and lunch menus planned by a registered dietitian
- Parent and staff training on nutrition and other health topics
- Licensed and registered dietitian consultant
- Classroom curriculum includes lessons on nutrition
Mental Wellness
- Promote staff and family well-being
- All children receive social/emotional screening to identify any possible need for services (skill building, behavioral support, counseling services)
- Parenting workshops
- Links to referrals to partnerships with community agencies
- Supports social and emotional skills in the classroom
Learn How to Enroll
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Learn How to Enroll
Application Checklist
- Child’s original birth certificate
- Parent/legal guardian lease/mortgage contract or utility bill (water, gas, or electricity)
- 2024 income tax form for both parents [1040, W2 or any state benefits (SNAP, SSI, TANF proof)]
- Most updated immunization record
- Original social security card (if applicable)
- Parent/legal guardian photo identification
- Other legal documents (if applicable): guardianship paperwork or legal custodial rights; court-order; child support proof
- Individual photo of the child
Application Timeline
February - March
- Application(s) for the coming year are also available online beginning January 27 at 12 AM.
- Come join us in person during our Head Start Round-Up during the week of February 17 – 21 (by appointment only).
April - May
- Selection Process and Registration
- Selected families will be contacted by the school.
June - August
- Interested families may access the application online.
- Families will be contacted if they qualify.
- Interviews for qualified families will be scheduled to determine if the student will be accepted or entered into the waiting list.
Waitlist
After initial enrollment is complete, a waiting list is maintained. During the school year, openings are filled with children on this list. Children may be added to the waiting list by following the above process at any time during the school year.
Plano ISD Head Start operates on a policy of non-discrimination and considers families without regard to their race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, language or disability.
Curriculum
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Curriculum
The Plano ISD Early Childhood Program is based on the Texas Education Agency’s Prekindergarten Guidelines. The guidelines are based on current knowledge of theory and scientific research about how children develop and learn; they reflect the growing consensus among early childhood professional organizations that a greater emphasis be placed on young children’s conceptual learning, acquisition of basic skills, discovery through play, and participation in meaningful, relevant learning experiences. The guidelines describe specific outcomes for prekindergarten children in ten domain skill areas. These domains include; social and emotional development, language and communication, reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, physical development, and technology. To learn more about the prekindergarten guidelines visit the Texas Education Agency’s website.
Families will learn more about the program at:
- Parent Orientation in August
- Parent/Teacher Conference in the fall and spring
- Home Visits in fall/spring
- Open House in spring
- Three written reports on your student’s progress in fall, winter and spring
Monthly newsletters are sent home to provide on-going communication between home and school.
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Parent Involvement
There are many different ways for parents to be involved at Head Start.
Parent Committee
Every Head Start parent is automatically a member of the Parent Committee. There are multiple ways you can participate:
- Advise staff in the development of program goals and services
- Help plan and participate in formal programs and family events offered throughout the year
- Time for you to network and meet other parents to discuss anything of interest to you
Head Start staff may also share information with you, but this is your chance to become involved in your child’s education. Your voice matters!
Policy Council
The Policy Council is comprised of one parent and one alternate elected by the parents in each Head Start classroom, and one to three community representatives. The Head Start Principal and a Plano ISD Board of Trustees Member also attend the meetings. The Policy Council engages in shared decision making with the Plano ISD School Board. Members of the council are asked to approve Head Start personnel, grant applications, service plans, and additional policy decisions as needed. They also encourage and recruit volunteers for the program. Policy Council Officers are elected by members of the Policy Council.
Meals
Parents are invited to eat meals at school with their children. Each parent may join his/her child for breakfast or lunch up to two times per week. Parents who eat with their children are required to eat the same Head Start meal that is being served to the children. No outside food is allowed.
Volunteers
There are many opportunities to volunteer at Head Start. The Head Start nurse can use volunteers to help in the clinic, work in the Head Start garden, and to create bulletin boards. The Family Services Managers have many events throughout the year for which volunteers are needed. Volunteers can also help in classrooms, in the carpool lane, with office work, and on field trips. Each person who volunteers to work with children is required to complete a criminal background check. Go to the Plano ISD Volunteers & Partners home page for the link to complete the criminal background check.
Classes
Parents take a survey at the beginning of the year to indicate interest in possible classes that may be offered. Some of the classes that parents take at Head Start include ESL classes, Nutrition classes, Child Parent Relationship Training, Computers at Home Classes, and Budgeting workshops.
Soccer Club
One of the favorite activities at Head Start is the soccer club. Parents and children get together about two times per week for soccer practice and soccer games. Parents are very involved in the activities. They help children learn soccer skills, and how to play the game. The focus is on learning to play and having fun.
Activities at Head Start are constantly changing and evolving to meet the needs of the current children and parents. Those listed are just a sampling of ways to become involved, but there is always room for a new idea or activity.
