RI Head Start Programs and RI Pre-K Lottery Announce Open Application Period
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is excited to announce that applications for Rhode Island Head Start programs and the Rhode Island Pre-K Lottery are now open for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.
RI Head Start Programs
RI Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to low-income families with children ages 0-5. Services include: * High-quality preschool education * Health screenings and vaccinations * Nutrition services * Parent education and engagement opportunities * Case management
RI Pre-K Lottery
The RI Pre-K Lottery is a statewide lottery that awards free, high-quality pre-kindergarten slots to income-eligible families. Eligible children must be four years old on or before September 30, 2023.
How to Apply
Families interested in applying for either RI Head Start programs or the RI Pre-K Lottery can do so online or by mail.
Online Application
* Head Start: https://www.ride.ri.gov/ApplyforHeadStart * Pre-K Lottery: https://www.ride.ri.gov/PreKLottery
Mail-in Application
Applications can be downloaded from the RIDE website at: * Head Start: https://www.ride.ri.gov/HeadStart * Pre-K Lottery: https://www.ride.ri.gov/PreKLottery Completed applications should be mailed to: Rhode Island Department of Education 255 Westminster Street, 5th Floor Providence, RI 02903
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for both RI Head Start programs and the RI Pre-K Lottery is
March 17, 2023
.
Additional Information
* For more information about RI Head Start programs, visit https://www.ride.ri.gov/HeadStart. * For more information about the RI Pre-K Lottery, visit https://www.ride.ri.gov/PreKLottery. * Families who need assistance with completing an application can call the RIDE Parent Hotline at (401) 222-2578.Rhode Island Head Start and Pre-K Applications Open for 2024-2025
Rhode Island Head Start and Pre-K Applications Open for 2024-2025
Providence, RI –
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is encouraging pregnant women and families with children ages 0 to 5 to apply for the 2024-2025 school year Head Start and Pre-K programs.
Head Start:
* Nationally recognized for providing high-quality early childhood education and support services * Free to enrolled children and families * Available in all 39 cities and towns * Priority given to families with the greatest need
Eligibility for Head Start:
* Living at or below the federal poverty level * Receiving government support (SNAP, SSI, RIworks, foster care) * Experiencing homelessness
Early Head Start:
* For pregnant women and children through age 3 * Available in home-based or center-based options
RI Pre-K:
* Funded by the Rhode Island Department of Education * Offers free full-day programs for children ages 3 to 5 * Lottery application now open for children who will be four years old on September 1, 2024
Eligibility for RI Pre-K:
* 4 years old by September 1, 2024 * Resident of one of the participating communities * Not eligible for preschool
How to Apply:
* Families should contact the provider serving their community * Providers will assist with enrollment requirements * Spaces are limited, so it’s recommended to contact programs as soon as possible
Contact Information:
* DHS website: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/child-care/head-start/head-start-early-head-start/ * RI Pre-K Lottery: https://ripreklottery.ride.ri.gov/ * RI Pre-K information: https://ride.ri.gov/instruction-assessment/early-childhood-education/ri-pre-k
RI Head Start Programs and RI Pre-K Lottery Now Accepting Applications
Families with children ages 3-5 are encouraged to apply for Head Start and Pre-Kindergarten programs in Rhode Island. Head Start, a federally funded program, provides comprehensive early childhood services to low-income families, including education, health, nutrition, and social services. Pre-Kindergarten, a state-funded program, offers high-quality early learning experiences for all children. Applications for both programs are available online at www.ride.ri.gov/prek. Families can also apply by mail or in person at their local Early Learning Hub. The deadline to apply for Head Start is May 15, 2023, and the deadline to apply for Pre-Kindergarten is March 15, 2023. Families who are eligible for Head Start will be selected through a lottery system. Families who are eligible for Pre-Kindergarten will be placed on a waiting list. For more information about Head Start and Pre-Kindergarten programs in Rhode Island, please visit www.ride.ri.gov/prek or call 1-800-RI-CHILD.
