The Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg (OCAB) Community Action Agency, Head Start Program is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 program year. Head Start serves economically disadvantaged three and four year olds, including those with disabilities, in programs in Orangeburg, Neeses, Santee, Saint Matthews, Elloree, Eutawville, Denmark, Bowman, Bamberg and Allendale.

All children participate in a wide range of learning experiences to foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Children with disabilities and their families receive the full range of Head Start developmental services in a mainstream classroom setting. Community agencies assist the Head Start Programs with additional services to meet the needs of families with disabled children.

Parents and/or legal guardians must bring the child’s birth certificate, must be three years old on or before September 01, 2012; up-to-date certificate of immunization – DHEC 1148 (no pink cards); Social Security cards for parent and child; Medicaid/health insurance card (if applicable); proof of family income—2011 W-2 forms or tax forms, DSS printout, official statement from agencies showing income received and/or information from employer(s) verifying the last 12 months of income, or any other documentation of household income as applicable; documentation of child’s disability or special needs if the condition has been diagnosed by a public agency and the child requires special education and related services with an Individual Education Program (IEP). Applications will not be processed without ALL of the necessary documents listed above.

The application process is ongoing at the Head Start Central Office, 1822 Joe S. Jeffords Highway in Orangeburg, and at the Allendale, Bamberg, Denmark and Neeses Centers. For additional information contact Sharon D. Daniels, Family and Community Partnership Manager at the OCAB Head Start Central Office at 803 536-1027.