The Dona Ana County Head Start program, sponsored by New Mexico State University, is now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 school year.

Head Start is a comprehensive child development program that offers educational, medical, dental, nutritional, psychological and other services to families. To qualify, children must be 3 to 5 years old or have a diagnosed developmental delay, and their families must meet federal income guidelines. Children who are 4 years old before Sept. 1 are given priority.

To apply, parents should take proof of income that shows total family income such as their 2012 tax return, three or more pay stubs, a written statement from an employer, TANF, scholarships or financial aid. Parents must also provide proof of age with a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport or hospital record. Applications can be submitted to any of the following centers.

NMSU Head Start, Myrna's Children Village, 575-646-2889
Compañeros/Head Start Sam Steel & Williams Myrna's Children Village, 575-646-4708
Lester Head Start, 2200 Lester Ave., Las Cruces, 575-527-8695
Mesilla Head Start, Mesilla Community Center, 575-527-1006
Vado Head Start, Vado Community Center, 575-233-2401
Anthony I Head Start, Pre-K Village 609 Church St., 575-882-3258
Anthony II Head Start, Pre-K Village 609 Church St., 575-882-7924
Anthony III Head Start, Pre-K Village 609 Church St., 575-882- 1109
Berino Head Start, Berino Elementary School, 575-882-2110

For more information contact Elisa A. West at 575-647-8733, ext. 114 or email at elisherr@nmsu.edu.