For the City Times

CAP Services’ Stevens Point Head Start programs are now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year.

Head Start is an early childhood and family development program for families with children ages three to four, also serving children with special needs in that age group. Head Start provides educational, health, nutritional, social and emotional services for each child and offers support and family development services to all family members.

The program offers both center-based and home-based program options.

A home-based Early Head Start option for pregnant mothers and children ages birth to three years is also available, with a center-based option for children who are two years old.

The Stevens Point Head Start program collaborates with the Stevens Point Area Public School District to provide four-year-old kindergarten and Head Start to children who are four at the Family Development Center, 1640 West River Dr., Stevens Point.

Parents are encouraged to call for an appointment to apply as soon as possible as enrollment is limited.

There are two Head Start Centers in Stevens Point. Parents may call the Family Development Center at 715-343-7161 or 715-343-7162 or Children’s Discovery Center at 715-544-4991 ext. 113. Families interested in Early Head Start may call 715-343-7169 to apply.

Applications are currently being accepted for children from the Stevens Point, Plover-Whiting, Rosholt, Custer, Amherst Junction and Junction City areas will be held at the Family Development Center, 1640 West River Dr., Stevens Point, and at the Children’s Discovery Child Care Center, 3109 John Joanis Dr., Stevens Point. An appointment is necessary.

Families must meet federally-established income guidelines and are asked to bring income verification to their appointment. Families whose children have documented disabilities are also encouraged to apply. Every effort is made to provide transportation but due to special circumstances.

CAP Services is a private, nonprofit community action agency that has been helping low-income people in Portage, Marquette, Outagamie, Waupaca and Waushara counties attain economic and emotional self-sufficiency since 1966.

For more information visit capservices.org.