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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation is accepting enrollment applications for Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which serve children up to five years old.

Cherokee Nation Head Start and Early Head Start implement American Indian heritage, Cherokee culture and language, and provide services in the areas of education, physical fitness, medical and dental health, nutrition and social development with a special emphasis for children with special needs including significant disabilities.

Cherokee Nation Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive development programs. Children entering the three and four-year programs must turn three and four by Sept. 1 of the current academic year.

Copies of the following documents must be submitted with the application before it will be considered complete: a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card; a social security card (optional); an immunization record; a state certified birth certificate; and verification of income, which can be check stubs, tax records, W-2 statement from employer, or a TANF statement.

Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit staff encourage parents to enroll their children as soon as possible to avoid waiting lists. Parents can fill out an application on their child for Head Start at the age of two, if the child will be three years old by Sept. 1 of the upcoming school year. The Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex or special needs.

Applications may be obtained from a center nearest you. Location of centers and phone numbers (all phone numbers begin with the 918 area code): Big Cabin Head Start and Early Head Start, 783-5130, Craig County; Cherry Tree, 696-3222, and Maryetta Public School, 696-3751, Adair County; Lowrey, 458-6183, Lost City, 772-2940, Shady Grove, 772-3505, and Shady Grove Public School, 772-2511, Cherokee County; Sperry Public School, 288-7234, Tulsa County; Wauhillau, 273-0623, Nowata County; Sequoyah and Tuni-Sti @ Salina 434-5440, Salina Public School, 434-6076, and Pryor, 825-7987, Mayes County; Jay, 253-4002, Kenwood, 434-5106, and Moseley, (918) 422-5969, Delaware County; Okay, 682-6694, Wagoner County; Webbers Falls, 464-2959, Muskogee County; and Brushy Public School, 775-3638, Sequoyah County.

For the Children’s Village (Tsa-La-gi and Unahnti) and the Early Head Start Program (Oosdi, Yona, Waya, Didigeyu, and Igali) you may pick up an application at the Early Childhood Unit office in Tahlequah from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call the office, phone: 918-458-4393 or phone toll free, 888-458-4393 to request an application to be mailed to you. Parents with applications on file are encouraged to contact the Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit with any address and phone number changes.