How do I become a client?

1. Complete an application packet which you may receive from our office or online.
   Online English Application
   Online Spanish Application
2. Provide eligibility documentation (check stubs from employer, W2 forms, income tax forms, unemployment documentation, foster care documentation, SSI documentation, TANF documentation or complete the no income form, if needed).
3. Provide a certified copy of the child’s county birth certificate. We require the county birth certificate and cannot accept the hospital certificate.
4. Provide a copy of your child’s medical card if applicable.
5. Provide the following medical documentation:
   • Physical (dated six months prior to child’s enrollment date) per DCFS licensing standards
   • Hemoglobin (dated six months prior to child’s enrollment date) per DCFS licensing standards.
   • Lead test and result.
   • TB test or screening.
   • Current immunization records.

Once you meet the above requirements and submit the required documentation, your child’s application will be complete and reviewed for enrollment opportunities.

*Please note that Heartland Head Start has a limited number of openings and is a federal program. We are required to enroll children with the highest needs first. This may include children that are age 4 years of age and moving on to kindergarten, children with special needs, children with individualized education plans (IEP), and children whose families are experiencing homelessness.