How We Work
Santa Clara County Office of Education
Thank you for your interest in our Early Learning Services (ELS) preschool education. We provide infant and toddler and preschool learning education. We offer a home-base infant and toddler services and our preschool educational program with part day and full day preschool options in various locations throughout Santa Clara and San Benito Counties. To qualify for our services your child must be age eligible and your family must either be income or categorically eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Age Eligibility:
• Head Start - Your child must turn 3 yrs old and must not turn 5 yrs old by September 1st
• State Preschool - Your child must turn 3 yrs old and must not turn 5 yrs old by December 1st
• Early Head Start - From birth and not yet 3 yrs old
Categorical Eligibility: Your family is eligible if you are in any of the following categories
• The child to be enrolled is in foster care
• The family is homeless (defined by McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act)
Children with Disabilities: If your child has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or for Early Head Start if your child has a current Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) you are eligible for the program.
Income Eligibility: Your family is income eligible if your income meets the Federal Income Guidelines for Head Start or State Income Guideline for State Preschool.
| Federal Income Guidelines | |
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income
| Maximum Yearly Income |
| 1 | $1,353 | $16,237
|
| 2 | $1,831 | $21,983 |
| 3 | $2,310 | $27,729 |
4
| $2,789
| $33,475 |
| 5 | $3,268 | $39,221 |
| 6 | $3,747 | $44,967 |
| 7 | $4,226 | $50,713 |
| 8 | $4,704
| $56,459 |
| | $4,420 per additional person | |
| | State Income Guidelines |
|
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income | Maximum Yearly Income |
| 1-2 | $5,067 | $60,808 |
| 3 | $5,467 | $65,604 |
| 4 | $6,383 | $76,601 |
| 5 | $7,404 | $88,857 |
| 6 | $8,426 | $101,113 |
| 7 | $8,617 | $103,412 |
| 8 | $8,809 | $105,709 |
| 9 | $9,000 | $108,008 |
| 10 | $9,192 | $110,305 |
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Your application must be complete and include copies of the following documents (documents will not be returned):
• Birth Certificate (for all siblings under 18 years old)
• Immunization Records
• TB Assessment and/or TB Test Results
• Income Verification - Documentation must reflect your current economic status and must include all sources of income received by the child's parents or guardians such as:
- 2 months of current pay stubs
- Latest Income Tax Return or W-2
- Unemployment Income
- Worker's Compensation
- Child Support
- Disability Income
- Proof of Supplemental Security Income (if applicable)
• Proof of Legal Custody (if child is in foster care)
• Homelessness Verification (if applicable and available)
• Current IEP (Head Start) or IFSP (Early Head Start) (if applicable)
• Full Time Employment or School/Training Verification (if you are requesting full day services)
