Question 1

At what age are children accepted?

Accepted Answer

To attend Smart Start Head Start children must be in between the ages of 1 year and 1.5 years at the start of class.

Question 2

What Is A ‘Voucher’?

Accepted Answer

A child care voucher permits families eligible for subsidized child care to access child care services outside of the ACS-funded programs. Funding for vouchers is extremely limited, and the wait for a voucher can be very long.

Question 3

How can I get an ACS child care voucher?

Accepted Answer

Use ACCESS NYC (https://access.nyc.gov/)to determine if you may be eligible for early care and education services. Vouchers are issued based on available funding.

Question 4

I have a child care voucher and my child has special needs.  What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Special Needs Applications are available for children who have been determined by a licensed professional (who fills out the medical forms) to have special needs and also currently receive ACS vouchers. Parents can request a special needs designation and a special needs rate for their child’s provider. Child care providers can receive a reimbursement rate once they provide child care services which are appropriate for the child and demonstrate increased costs as a result of the child care.

Please follow the instructions on the Special Needs Application (CFWB-001) to request the special needs designation. To request the special needs rate, providers should complete each section of the CFWB-001 and submit the current documentation of disability and/or expenses related to care. Download the Special Needs Instructions and Application form (CFWB-001)(https://www.nyc.gov/assets/acs/pdf/CFWB/2018/001.pdf)

Question 5

What are ACS-Funded child care programs?

Accepted Answer

ACS directly funds child care services for eligible families at more than 300 child care centers, and family child care networks as well as over 250 Head Start programs. All ACS-funded child care centers and family child care networks are registered by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to make sure they meet NYS and NYC standards.

Question 6

Do the children get exposed to outdoor activities?

Accepted Answer

We have a private, completely enclosed outdoor play area for the children to use. We want to encourage nature as a part of our curriculum.

Question 7

Can I bring in food from home for my child?

Accepted Answer

We provide children with healthy cooked meals. A monthly menu calendar will go out each month. No outdoor food is allowed for children.

Question 8

Does my child have to be potty trained?

Accepted Answer

No, we work with you and your child during this process. Teachers will let you know when they are ready and how you should work together to make the potty training process a smooth journey.

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