Early Childhood Eligibility
Many early childhood programs are limited to participants who qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch, others are limited to participants who meet the federal poverty level. Use your monthly household income to determine which programs you may be eligible for. After you complete your OneApp at EnrollNOLA.org, you must verify eligibility at a Family Resource Center or a designated Head Start Center.
How do I verify my income for publicly-funded seats?
In order to prove eligibility to receive a publicly-funded early childhood seat at a non-Head Start program, families must submit one (1) proof of income to any EnrollNOLA Family Resource Center. The following documents are accepted for income verification:
- Most recent Social Security benefits statement
- Alimony as shown in court decree or agreement
- Most recent pension statements
- Most recent unemployment compensation statement
- Louisiana Purchase Card Budget Sheet or Benefits Statement
- Last four consecutive paychecks
- Or, a letter from your employer indicating:
1) Where you are employed, 2) Your hourly rate of pay, 3) and Average hours worked a week.
How do I verify my residency?
All early childhood seats have a residency requirement. Sometimes this means a student must be a resident of Orleans Parish to be eligible; sometimes a student must be a Louisiana resident. Refer to the program types page for requirements for each program type.
All applicants must provide two (2) proofs of residency at an EnrollNOLA Family Resource Center or Head Start Eligibility Center prior to the application deadline of February 26, 2016 The following documents are accepted for residency verification:
- Current Rental Lease Agreement
- Homestead Exemption in the parent’s name
- Telephone bill (landline only)
- Current official letter from government agency (DSS, DHH)
- Electricity / Gas Bill
- Sewerage / Water Bill
- Cable / Internet Service Bill
If you cannot provide proof of income but believe you are eligible, please contact an EnrollNOLA Family Resource Center.
My child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Am I eligible for a publicly-funded early childhood seat?
Yes. Children with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are eligible for all publicly-funded early childhood programs, regardless of income; children with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) are also eligible for Early Head Start and Head Start programs, regardless of income. PK4 programs also grant priority and provide services to students with IEPs. IMPORTANT: Not all early childhood programs offer special education services. Please contact your preferred program(s) before applying to them to ensure they are able to meet your child’s needs.
Click here to view the Family Resource and Eligibility Centers
