Benton, Ark. - Central Arkansas Development Council Head Start centers in Clark, Hot Spring, Montgomery, Pike, and Saline counties will begin accepting applications for early enrollment Monday, March 8. Early enrollment will end the last day of the school year in May.        

To be eligible to enroll in the Head Start program, a child must be three or four years old. The family must also meet income guidelines. Verification of family income, child’s birth certificate and immunization records are required to complete an application.          

                      In Clark County, contact the Amity Head Start at 870-342-5358, the Arkadelphia Head Start at 870-246-8931, or the Gurdon Head Start at 870-353-6616.     

                     In Hot Spring County, contact the Bismarck Head Start at 501-865-1882, the Magnet Cove Head Start at 501-332-6906, or the Malvern Head Start at 501-337-1502.  

                    In Montgomery County, contact the Mt. Ida Head Start at 870-867-3722.   

                    In Pike County, contact the Delight Head Start at 870-379-2270, the Glenwood Head Start at 870-356-4780, the Kirby Head Start at 870-389-5462, or the Murfreesboro Head Start at 870-285-3351.     

                   In Saline County, contact the Benton Head Start at 501-315-6456, the Harmony Grove Head Start at 501-776-1697, the Paron Head Start at 501-594-5668, or the Shannon Hills Head Start at 501-455-4932.

CADC Head Start is a free comprehensive child and family development program for low-income families. The main focus is to increase the school readiness of young children. It is designed to help parents and caregivers be empowered to self sufficiency. Children enrolled have access to educational resources, as well as health and dental services, nutritional services, and social services.        

CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the “War on Poverty.” The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, please contact Sandra Holiman at 501-332-5426 or your local Head Start.