The parents’ income must be below 100% of poverty line. Provide recent proof of income, such as paystubs, that covers a month’s time, W-2 forms or Income Tax Returns.

Use the calculator to determine if you are eligible (below 100% FPG), select NJ, family size, and type in annual income. If your family size is more than 5, contact HOPES to determine eligibility. http://www.nccp.org/tools/converter/index.php?popup=1

We serve meals prepared on site, and reflective of the cultures served. A registered dietitian plans nutritious meals to meet 1/2 to 2/3 the child’s daily nutritional needs. Special diets and food allergies are accommodated as specified by physicians. Infants/toddlers are fed on demand with menus developed to meet their nutritional needs. Funding provided by USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

The goal of our Early Childhood Development Services is to provide a comprehensive child development program that addresses the present and future social, cognitive, emotional, and physical needs of the child and his/her family. An interdisciplinary team approach is advocated. The learning environment is geared to the ages and the developmental levels of the children in each classroom. Procedures are developed and implemented which allow staff to identify each child’s strengths, limitations, and special needs, and how to best meet those needs. The following services are not stand alone, they are integrated into both Infant and Toddler, and Preschool programs.

HOPES CAP, Inc. Early Childhood Program staff members work closely with community agencies to provide services which meet the special needs of the child through Individualized Education Plans (IEP) or Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP). Services for children include outreach and recruitment, screening, professional diagnosis, development and implementation of IEP/IFSP and transition planning/support.

Our staff promote children’s health by keeping immunizations current, and addressing developmental concerns through referrals for further diagnosis and treatment. Staff is also trained to conduct vision and hearing screenings. We facilitate collaboration and partnerships with families, and health professionals, so that children and families are connected to continuous and accessible medical and dental care to meet their basic health needs. In addition, our Head Start staff facilitate a Health Services Advisory Committee bringing together local health care professionals, parents, and local community residents. This team assists with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of services.

There are three full time Mental Health and Disabilities Specialists on staff that support the teachers and families by providing strategies to assist the child in having a successful school experience. The Mental Health/Disabilities Specialists offer play therapy, individual, group, and/or family therapy to address various issues, such as challenging behaviors, postpartum depression, parent separation, grief, ADHD, etc. to children and families enrolled in Early Head Start and Head Start.

Our staff provides families with counseling, referrals, and assistance to connect them with community resources. Our social service staff helps promote independence, personal growth and self-sufficiency in families.