Apply for Early Head Start or Head Start
We take applications year round. After you apply online, you will be contacted within 2-3 business days to make an appointment to meet with a staff person to complete the application process, collect income documentation, and confirm details of the application.
Apply Online TodayFor More Information, Contact:
Head Start
PO Box 36
Cosmos, MN 56228
[P] 320-235-0850
[P] 1-800-992-1710
Letter to Head Start Families and Community from
Head Start Director, Dr. Mary Lockhart Findling
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for
Head Start Centers
United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all staff and children. To ensure that, we have developed the following COVID-19 Response Plan. All Head Start staff members are required to implement the procedures presented in this plan. Our goal is to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID-19 in our workplaces, and that requires full cooperation among all staff. Only through this cooperative effort, can we establish and maintain the safety and health of our staff, students, and workplaces.
Head Start employees are responsible for implementing and complying with all aspects of this COVID-19 Plan. UCAP managers and supervisors have our full support in enforcing the provisions of these procedures. It is important to note that during the COVID-19 pandemic, information in this COVID-19 Plan overrides existing policies and procedures that are in place (if discussed in this plan). All other policy statements are still valid and must be followed.
Our staff are our most important assets. We are serious about health and safety, and keeping our staff working at UCAP. Staff involvement is essential in developing and implementing a successful COVID-19 Plan. We have involved our staff in this process through conversations with Supervisors, Managers, Human Resources and the Head Start and Executive Directors. Our Plan follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines, as well as federal OSHA standards and OHS guidance related to COVID-19 and addresses:
• Hygiene and respiratory etiquette;
• Engineering and administrative controls for social distancing;
• Housekeeping – cleaning, disinfecting and decontamination;
• Prompt identification and isolation of sick persons;
• Communications and training that will be provided to all staff; and
• Management and supervision necessary to ensure effective implementation of the plan.
For more information click on link:
UCAP Head Start’s COVID-19 Response Plan revised 3.9.21
Plan de Preparación COVID-19 3.9.21
Early Head Start and Head Start are comprehensive child and family development programs.
Families are provided with activities and experiences that are developmentally appropriate and individualized for their child. The programs are designed to provide an array of services that fit the strengths and needs of each family.
Click to learn more about these specific programs:
Head Start Early Head Start School Readiness
Read the annual report for our Head Start and Early Head Start program
Who These Program Serve
Early Head Start serves pregnant mothers, infants, toddlers and their families, and Head Start serves children who are three and four years old and their families who meet income guidelines set by the Federal government and reside in the following counties: Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Redwood and Renville.
Our Programs Include Children with Disabilities
Early Head Start and Head Start serves children with disabilities. Staff work with children on their goals that are set in their individual family education plan or individual education plan. Adaptions are made to meet the child’s needs.
No Cost
There are no costs associated with the Early Head Start or Head Start programs. These programs are free to eligible participants. Funding is provided by the Minnesota Department of Education and United Stated Department of Health and Human Office of Head Start.
Eligibility requirements include proof of income. Twelve months of income is needed to process your child’s application. Examples of income are income tax returns, W-2’s, pay stubs, Supplemental Security Income documentation or Minnesota Family Investment Program documentation.
