By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Registration for Head Start, Early Childhood and Pre-Kindergarten programs in St. John the Baptist Parish is currently under way.

To be eligible for the upcoming school year, a child must be 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2011. There is no income requirement for a family to apply.

Applications may be picked at any elementary school site between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Central Office in Reserve between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or at the St. John Child Development Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Completed applications may be submitted to Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in LaPlace, the St. John Child Development Center in Garyville or West St. John Elementary School in Edgard.

There is no deadline to apply, but space in the programs is limited, so parents are urged to apply as soon as possible.

Besides the application form, parents or legal guardians will also need the following items to apply:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate or U.S. entry papers;

• Proof of custody (for legal guardians);

• If the parent or guardian is working, a copy of the last two check stubs or a notarized statement from the employer;

• If the parent or guardian receives welfare or food stamps, a current copy of the budget sheet;

• If the parent or guardian is receiving Social Security benefits, a copy of the Social Security award letter or check;

• The child’s up-to-date immunization record;

• A copy of the child’s medical insurance card/Medicaid card/ LaChip card;

• A copy of the child’s Social Security card;

• Documentation of any handicapping condition, if applicable (IEP or evaluation report); and

• If the parent or guardian is in school, verification from the school he or she is attending.

Classes will be held at East St. John Elementary School, Emily C. Watkins Elementary School, Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School, the St. John Child Development Center and West St. John Elementary School.

For more information, call the St. John Child Development Center at 985-535-2713 or 985-535-3917.