Parents are the first and most important teachers to their children. CDS offers a variety of opportunities to help parents with this important responsibility including:

1. Offering parent trainings on topics that are of interest to parents
2. Helping Head Start parents recognize their strengths
3. Assisting Head Start parents in setting and working on goals
4. Providing resource information and referrals to Head Start parents
5. Offer Head Start parents opportunities to participate in parent meetings, Policy Council, Education Advisory, and Health Advisory Committees.
6. Encourage parent involvement in the classroom and on field trips
7. Provide opportunities for family literacy
8. Provide opportunities for father/positive male role model involvement
9. Parent-Teacher Conferences and Home Visits

Forms Links:
Application (English)
Application (Spanish)
Child Information Card (Front)
Child Information Card (Back)
Physical Form (Pg 1) (Pg 2)
Dental
Parent Handbook & Calendar
Community Resource (Index) and (Handbook)

To apply for Head Start or Early Head Start:
Click on the link above to access an application in English or Spanish. You may also pick up an application at one of our Head Start centers or our administrative office, or call one of our locations and have an application mailed to you. Applications should be filled out completely, signed where applicable, and returned to our administrative office along with a proof of income. Proof of income could be a tax form that shows your annual income, W-2s, paycheck stubs, or other documents you have that best reflect your income. CDS staff will make a copy of the proof of income if needed.

To apply for Child Care:
Please contact one of the CDS child care centers to apply for child care. Centers that have child care include Bright Beginnings, Holland Day Care, Falcon Woods, and West Olive. Children do not need to be potty trained to attend a CDS center. Staff will work with parents to make a plan for potty training as the child is ready.

Fees:
Head Start is free to those who qualify. There is a sliding scale fee for child care. Please contact one of our child care centers, Holland Day Care, Falcon Woods, West Olive, or Bright Beginnings for more information on child care fees.