Pre-K
Pre-k programs are available in school districts where WCAP collaborates with the local public schools. Services are provided to children from these districts who are four-years-old in local elementary schools. Comprehensive and wrap-around services are available for enrolled children.
What is my eligibility based on?
The town in which you live. WCAP Pre-k programs are currently located in the locations listed below. If you have a question about where you may be eligible to attend, please give us a call!
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How do I sign up?
To begin, call the Early Childhood Program at (207) 338-3827. Or, click on the “Apply” button below to fill out an application. Someone from our offices will be in touch with you to set up an appointment to complete your application. At that meeting, you will need to bring: income verification, your child’s birth certificate, and proof of residency.
Head Start
Head Start was created in 1964 to give preschool children a “head start” in formal education. Throughout the decades, Head Start has expanded their services to involve the whole family. Head Start supports families in five different component areas: health, nutrition, education, social services, and parent involvement.
WCAP Head Start serves children ages three to five, four days a week. WCAP offers part-year classrooms in locations throughout Waldo County. Placement is based on a number of criteria; the primary one is family income. There is no fee for WCAP Head Start programs.
What is my eligibility based on?
The Head Start program accepts applications throughout the year for children who will be three or four years old by October 15th of the coming school year. Enrollment is based on income eligibility.
Why should I sign up?
Head Start staff work closely with families to ensure that they have the tools they need to succeed. Eligible families are presented with access to a wide array of assistance in many areas, including:
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How do I sign up?
To begin, call the Early Childhood Program at (207) 338-3827. Or, click on the “Apply” button below to fill out an application. Someone from our offices will be in touch with you to set up an appointment to complete your application. At that meeting, you will need to bring: income verification, your child’s birth certificate, and proof of residency.
Early Head Start
Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded community-based program for low-income families with infants and toddlers (birth to three-years-old) or expectant families. Its mission is to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women; to enhance the development of very young children; and to promote healthy family functioning. Early Head Start services are provided in home-based or center-based options. Home-based options allow children ages 0-3 or pregnant women to interact weekly with a home-visitor and bi-monthly socializations. Center-based options allow children ages 0-3 to interact in a classroom environment with other young children.
Who is eligible?
Early Head Start is currently serving income-eligible families from any town in Waldo County.
Why should I sign up?
- To provide your infant or toddler with the tools they need now to learn and grow into strong, healthy, independent children
- To meet and talk with other parents and expectant families
- To obtain easy access to Early Head Starts early childhood development professionals
How do I sign up?
To begin, call the Early Childhood Program at (207) 338-3827. Or, click on the “Apply” button below to fill out an application. Someone from our offices will be in touch with you to set up an appointment to complete your application. At that meeting, you will need to bring: income verification, your child’s birth certificate, and proof of residency.
Car Seat Program
We are not currently operating this program due to funding/staffing changes. We will update our community when it is available again. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
WCAP has two programs to help ensure that your child is riding safely in the car; the Inspection Station Program and the Distribution Program. Maine Law has changed. Children under 2 years old must ride rear facing with the guidelines of their seat. Children under 55 pounds ride in a car seat with a 5-point harness and children 55-80 pounds should be in a booster seat (high back if possible). Children cannot ride safely without a seat until they are over 57 inches tall. Old or used car seats are not safe!
What is the inspection station program?
Car seat safety checks are held at the Belfast Fire Department (dates TBD). There is no income guideline for this program and seats are checked on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats are checked for the correct usage, fit and installation to the vehicle.
What is the distribution program?
WCAP has free car seats available for children who need a car seat or booster seat and whose family meets the program income guidelines. Once qualified, an education appointment is scheduled to review the seat (generally a month out), fit the child to the seat, and install the seat in the vehicle.
How do I get a car seat?
Contact WCAP’s receptionist at 338-6809 to set up an appointment.
What if my child is not born yet?
If the child is not yet born, set up your appointment one month before your predicted due date.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program is a federally funded program to help child care providers offer healthy, nutritious meals and snacks to children in their care in support of healthy growth and development. Reimbursement is given to sponsored child care providers for meals served to children in their care.
How do I enroll my child care home?
If you are a child care provider in Waldo County and you would like to enroll your child care home in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, contact Cherie Merrill, Nutrition Coordinator, at 338-3827 ext. 202 or e-mail cmerrill@waldocap.org.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online by clicking here.
You can also find the form at any USDA office or you can write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter addressed to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.