Bank Street Head Start
How to Apply
Applications are accepted year-round for all children who are 2.9 to 4.11 years old, regardless of race, color, gender, creed, national origin, or disability. Applicants must meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines below.
2021 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia:
| Persons in Family/Household | Poverty Guideline |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,540 for each additional person. | |
| 1 | $12,880 |
| 2 | $17,420 |
| 3 | $21,960 |
| 4 | $26,500 |
| 5 | $31,040 |
| 6 | $35,580 |
| 7 | $40,120 |
| 8 | $44,660 |
How to Apply
- Step 1: Fill out the pre-screening questionnaire
- Step 2: After completing the prescreening questionnaire, you will be contacted by phone or email and directed to complete the below application (English/Spanish (pdf) or English/Chinese (pdf) versions available)
- Instructions for completing the application are available in English (pdf), Spanish (pdf), and Chinese (pdf)
- If you would prefer to have the application mailed to you, please email Jeannette Garcia at jgarcia@bankstreet.edu
- Step 3 (For Universal Pre-K Families Only): Once accepted by Bank Street Head Start, you will be instructed to complete the DOE Pre-K for All registration.
All applicants will also need to submit copies of the following documents:
- Certified Birth Certificate
- Verification of Income
- Immunization Health Card
- Two Proofs of Address
- Child’s Medical Insurance (if available)
If you have any questions, please contact Jeannette Garcia at jgarcia@bankstreet.edu or 212- 875-4737.
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How much does the program cost?
Head Start is a free program to eligible families. Eligibility is based upon income.
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What are the eligibility requirements?
Head Start services are available to children ages 2.9 to 5 and their families. Eligibility is determined by local program staff. Your family may be eligible for Head Start services if your family’s income is determined to be at or below the federal poverty level. Programs may enroll some children from families whose incomes are higher than the federal poverty level if they meet other eligibility requirements. Families with circumstances such as homelessness, children in foster care, or receiving TANF or SSI may also qualify for services.
The poverty guidelines are adjusted for families of different sizes. It is issued each year in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services
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Is the program open all year?
The program operates from the first week of September through the end of July.
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What are the hours?
Most children attend Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Early pickup at 2:30 PM is available for families who have siblings attending other schools. There is a limited number of slots available for our Extended Day program, which runs until 5:30 PM.
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Is early drop-off available?
The earliest children can be dropped off is 8:30 AM.
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Can children attend part-time?
No. All children must be enrolled full-time, five days per week.
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What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Seven children to one teacher.
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Do children need to be toilet-trained?
We work with parents to support this developmental milestone.