Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Head Start? 
Head Start is a comprehensive program that prepares children for school while supporting families in achieving health, happiness, and success. This approach benefits both children and communities. 

Who is eligible for Head Start? 
Head Start prioritizes children most in need of services, including those receiving public assistance, experiencing homelessness, foster care, or families at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. Federal guidelines only allow a maximum of 10% of children across the program to be outside of these guidelines. This 10 % are typically children with diagnosed disabilities or special health or family needs. 

How is Head Start funded? 
Head Start is federally funded, flowing directly to local agencies. It provides developmental services, health/nutrition education, parent education and family support services to children and families prenatal to 5-years-old. 

What is full federal enrollment for NWCA? 

NWCA is federally funded to serve 174 preschool age children in our center-based program and 80 expectant parents, babies, and toddlers in our year-round home visiting program across the four counties in our service area: Roseau, Marshall, Kittson, and Lake of the Woods.  Current federal enrollment is 149 and 71, respectively.  

How long has NWCA been under-enrolled? 
NWCA has been under-enrolled since 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed formal enrollment monitoring, but in February 2024, we received notification of the Full Enrollment Initiative from the federal Office of Head Start. 

What does the Full Enrollment Initiative mean? 
This requires Head Start programs to operate at full capacity, meaning all funded slots must be filled with eligible children. Programs falling short face consequences such as funding reductions.  

Why does this matter now? 
Despite efforts like partnering with local schools and implementing a Head Start Enrollment Initiative, our program remains under-enrolled. This is an ongoing challenge. 

What are the reasons for under-enrollment? 
Several factors contribute to under-enrollment, including fewer families in our rural communities and rising family incomes. 

What choices do we face? 
We are faced with two options: 1. Lose funding due to under-enrollment or 2. Request a change of scope for an Enrollment Reduction to reduce slots; which would allow us to maintain our current funding. 

What factors support the Enrollment Reduction? 

• Decline in eligible applications 

• Increased per-family income 

• Low numbers of applications for children in foster care or experiencing homelessness 

Conclusion 

After careful consideration, our Governing Board and Policy Council have voted to submit an Enrollment Reduction request. This will involve closing the Head Start classrooms in Baudette and Greenbush and eliminating one of the home visitor positions in Marshall County beginning in the program year 2025-2026. These communities have consistently had families with incomes exceeding the program’s federal eligibility requirements. 
 

This decision does not reflect a lack of program quality or funding, but rather eligibility based on income and need. We understand this is a difficult topic and appreciate your understanding. If you have questions or need additional clarification, please reach out.

 Sharon Millner, Executive Director 218-528-3258 ext. 117 smillner@nwcaa.org