Eligibility

PICA Head Start and Early Head Start programs are for low-income families. To see if your family is eligible,  please review the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are used to evaluate family income. 

You are eligible for PICA’s programs and services if you meet the income guidelines or one of the below criteria:

• You receive public assistance such as Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Snap, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• You are homeless

• You have foster children

PICA Head Start and Early Head Start programs must also make at least 10% of their enrollment opportunities available to children with disabilities.

Note: For some program options, a childcare subsidy is required. 

Enrollment

To enroll your child, start with an online application and we will contact you to get additional information, or visit the PICA center closest to you Monday through Friday with the information listed below.

Apply on paper: 

• English

• Spanish

• Somali

• Hmong

When you enroll your child, please bring the completed application and the following:

1. Current Medical Examination and Immunization Records | An up-to-date immunization record is required by the state for all children. Ask your healthcare provider to fill out and sign the medical exam and immunization form in the application. If your child has not had an examination within the past 12 months, make an appointment for him/her with your healthcare provider. If you do not have a health care provider, please call Child and Teen Check-up at (612) 348-5131.

2. Dental Examination (required for children 3 years and older) | Ask your dentist to fill out and sign the dental exam form in the application. If your child has not had a recent dental exam, make an appointment for him/her with your dentist. If you do not have a dentist, follow the directions on the dental exam form to make an appointment with Children’s Dental Clinics at one of our centers or at their downtown location or call (612) 348-5131.

3. Proof of Income | If you are employed, bring a W-2 form, tax return, pay stub or other income verification. If you receive unemployment benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), or benefits from the Minnesota Family Investment Plan (MFIP), benefits from the SNAP agency, or an Electronic Benefit Transfer card with SNAP ID number, please bring supporting documents.

4. Emergency Information | Please bring names, addresses and phone numbers of three emergency contacts.

5. Medical Insurance Card | Please bring your child’s medical card showing your child’s medical insurance number and PMI number.

6. MFIP or County Childcare Worker | Please have the name and phone number of your MFIP Worker or County Childcare Worker (Full Day Head Start and Early Head Start applications only)

We will keep all this information confidential and will not release it to anyone without your permission.