How to Apply

To begin the enrollment process, a parent or legal guardian can click on the red “APPLY HERE” button right below or call our main office at (865) 522-2193 for assistance. Applicants must be residents of Knox County to apply. Please scroll down for eligibility and income requirements. In order for the application to be considered complete, in addition to other information, we will need a copy of the child’s up to date shot record on the Tennessee state form and an up to date physical, along with proof of all income for a year.

APPLY HERE

Eligibility Requirements

There are several ways that your child may be eligible to apply for our program. One is based on family income, a second is based on receiving certain forms of public assistance, and the third is categorical guardianship or housing status.

Public Assistance

If your family receives either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), your child fulfills this eligibility requirement for our program.

Income

Our program’s income guidelines follow the 2021 Poverty Guidelines. Find out if your family may be eligible by reading the table below.

Directions: Find the number of adults in your family/household in the left column, then compare your combined family income to the corresponding number in the right column. If is at or below that number, you may meet this eligibility requirement.

 

Family Size 2021 Poverty Guidelines
1
12,880
2
17,420
3
21,960
4
26,500
5
31,040
6
35,580
7
40,120
8
44,660

In families of more than 8 members, add $4,540 for each additional member. 

Home Status

If you are currently a foster parent of a foster child, then this child is eligible for our program. 

Additionally, if your family is homeless, then your child is eligible for our program. 

Health Requirements

For enrollment in our program, we require each child to have the following:

  • Immunization Record

    on Tennessee Certificate of Immunization

  • Up-to-date Well Child Exam (Checkup)

    For Head Start- done on or after 9/1 of the previous year
    For Early Head Start- varies depending on age—required at: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months, and 36 months

All Head Start Centers have QUALITY 3 star day care licensing ratings. Program operated by Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee. Meals provided through the USDA program for children enrolled in Head Start. Head Start does not discriminate against children based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, or disabling conditions.

Why Choose Us?

One of our program’s major strengths is our commitment to excellence and improvement. We have a hard-working team and qualified staff that are committed and qualified to provide the best education for the children we serve.

Head Start isn’t just a daycare! Our program provides prompt care and support for all of our children and their families. We are highly responsive to parents and will do everything we can to assist those who need support. 

Want to know more about Head Start and its impact at the national level? 

The Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC) is the official communication channel for Head Start and Early Head Start grantees, TA network, regional offices, Head Start parents and families, OHS consultants, and anyone else involved with Head Start. Click here to check out their website!