Picayune’s Early Head Start program is currently accepting applications for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Program Director Dr. Pamela Thomas said 202 slots will be available for children from birth to 3-years-old.

According to a release from Early Head Start, recruitment is underway and will be held until May 11, but applications will be accepted all year round.

Families enrolled into the program receive about $11,000 worth of services that include the education and care of their child, Thomas said.

She said the aim of the program is to provide low-income families with a service that will provide a quality education and care they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford, she said.

Eligible families must have children who will be 3 years of age by Sept. 1 of this year, although first priority is given to a foster child, homeless children and pregnant teens, Thomas said.

The program also has 22 slots reserved for children with disabilities.

To register, parents must bring the child’s birth certificate, the child’s immunization record, proof of residency and proof of family income. Additional documentation if applicable requires submission of Social Security card, health insurance card, legal documentation of guardianship and IFSP documentation, the release states.

The information needs to be brought to the Picayune School District Early Head Start, located at 1620 Rosa Street.

Early Head Start is a federally funded program especially designed for infants, toddlers, pregnant teens and children aged birth to three. As part of the program children will be eligible to receive free healthy meals and snacks as well as vision, hearing, nutrition and developmental screening.