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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation Head Start and Early Head Start Programs are accepting enrollment applications for children 0-5 years.

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.

"Once you fill out an application for your child, if the center you applied for is at it’s full capacity, your child will be placed on a waiting list", said Verna Thompson, director of Cherokee Nation’s Early Childhood Unit. "Therefore, it is good to fill out an application for your child as soon as possible. Parents can fill out an application on their child for Head Start at the age of two, if he/she is turning age 3 by Sept. 1, for the upcoming school year."

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.

Children with special needs are encouraged to apply, despite the significance of their disability. These children are given priority.

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.

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 Tsuni-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 Head Start and the Early Head Start programs, 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 toll free, 888-458-4393 to request an application to be mailed to you.

If you already have an application on file and your address or phone number has changed, please contact the office to update your application.