How to Apply

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Thank you for your interest in Otero College Child Development Services! Please complete the form on this page to leave your contact information and our enrollment team will get back to you within the week.  At that time, our staff will explain our application process and the documents needed in order to determine eligibility for our program. After submitting the application at one of our centers, we will notify you as soon as possible whether your child is eligible and has a space in our program. If your child is eligible but there is no space available, he/she may be placed on a waiting list. Our program selects applicants based on selection priority and not on a first-come-first-served basis. 

If you have any questions or need assistance on enrollment, then please contact your local center.

Eligibility Requirements

Early Head Start

AGE ELIGIBILITY

Early Head Start Program serves pregnant women and children newborn until third birthday.

INCOME ELIGIBILITY

Early Head Start services are available if your family meets the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To see the HHS webpage for the guidelines – CLICK HERE.

PRIORITY ELIGIBILITY

Your family may be eligible for Early Head Start Services if you meet any of the following categories:

  • The child is in foster care.

  • The family is receiving benefits or services through the TANF Program.

  • A family member living with and supported by you is receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI).

  • The family is homeless.

Head Start

AGE ELIGIBILITY

Head Start Program serves children three years old until kindergarten.

INCOME ELIGIBILITY

Head Start services are available if your family meets the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To see the HHS webpage for the guidelines – CLICK HERE.

PRIORITY ELIGIBILITY

Your family may be eligible for Head Start Services if you meet any of the following categories:

  • The child is in foster care.

  • The family is receiving benefits or services through the TANF Program.

  • A family member living with and supported by you is receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI).

  • The family is homeless.

Migrant & Seasonal Head Start

AGE ELIGIBILITY

Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Program serves children six weeks old until kindergarten.

INCOME ELIGIBILITY

Migrant & Seasonal Head Start services are available if your family meets the Federal Poverty Guidelines and engages in agricultural labor. To see the HHS webpage for the guidelines – CLICK HERE.

PRIORITY ELIGIBILITY

Your family may be eligible for Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Services if you meet any of the following categories:

  • The child is in foster care.

  • The family is receiving benefits or services through the TANF Program.

  • A family member living with and supported by you is receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI).

  • The family is homeless.

School Cutoff Dates for Head Start

In order to be eligible for Head Start services, your child must be three years old by the age cutoff date for the school district you live in. You can use the table below to find out the cutoff date for the various school districts.

School District

Cutoff Date

La Junta

July 1st

Lamar

July 1st

Las Animas

June 1st

Manzanola

June 1st

Rocky Ford

July 1st