Eligibility and Enrollment Questions
What is the eligibility criteria of a child for any New Directions Early Head Start Program?
Eligibility of a child for any Early Head Start program is based on the following:
- age of the child,
- family income level. Poverty Guidelines and Determining Eligibility for Participation in Head Start Programs
- and categorical eligibility such as foster care status, homelessness or family enrollment in a public assistance program, SNAP, SSI or TANF.
What Daycares are there in Delaware?
For the age of child, one of the following documents is required:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Hospital card
- Medicaid card
- Passport / visa
If the family applying meets Categorical Eligibility one of the following is required:
- Documentation of Foster Care
- Completed NDEHS Homelessness Verification Form
- SNAP verification
- TANF verification
- SSI verification
If family is applying based on the income, one of the following documents is required:
- Individual income tax form
- W-2 from all places of employment
- A letter documenting receipt of Public Assistance, Child Support or SSI
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements – documenting the direct deposit
- NDEHS – Zero Income Documentation completed by a family member providing support
Home-Based Program Questions
Does home visitor come to our house?
Home visitors meet you for the home visits at either your house, sometimes a visit can take place at a public place such as library. For more information, please consult with your home visitor.
We live in a shelter temporarily. Does it mean that I can’t be in the program?
You can still apply to our programs. Please click here to fill the referral form. You will be contacted as soon as possible. For more information regarding your housing issues, please consult with your home visitor.
Center-Based Program Questions
Where are your centers?
There are three centers located in Newark and Wilmington. You can find out the locations through the links below:
Can NDEHS centers manage special dietary requests of my child or children?
Documentation from the child’s physician must be given to the Child and Family Specialist detailing any allergies, and special medical conditions as soon as a diagnosis is made. A care plan must be developed outlining the procedures specified by the doctor for dealing with the allergies or medical condition.
Is transportation available for my child to and from the child care center?
Unfortunately, NDEHS does not provide transportation to and from the centers.
