Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance (ERSEA)
E= Eligibility includes pregnant women and teens, and children from birth to age three that reside in low-income households, foster children under 3, and homeless families with children under 3 in accordance with federal income guidelines and the McKinney-Veto Act
R= Recruitment of eligible families residing in Peoria County is an ongoing process that focuses on enrolling individuals with the greatest need within the community in the Early Head Start Program.
S= Selection of applicants is made by a formal process that accesses family needs and assigns a weighted number system to areas determined to put families at risk. At least ten (10) percent of the total number of enrollment opportunities are made available for children with diagnosed disabilities.
E= Enrollment into the Early Head Start program is official upon the completion of the application process and acceptance into the program as vacancies occur.
A= Attendance- regular attendance of children enrolled in Early Head Start centers promotes cognitive development, socialization skills, and school readiness. Families enrolled in the home-based option are encouraged to participate in scheduled home visits. All families are encouraged to attend monthly socializations which provide the opportunity for peer socialization and training on topics conducive to healthy relationships and enhancing parenting skills
Ninety percent of enrollment must be from low-income families (see income guidelines below). Ten (10) percent of the enrollment may consist of families who exceed the low-income guidelines but who meet other program criteria.
Family income must be verified before determining eligibility which may include current Income Tax Form 1040, W-2 forms, pay stubs with current date & name, written statements from employers, or documentation showing current status as recipients of public assistance (TANF), 906 placement form for a Foster Child, and SSI income documentation.
