Ensuring the Success of the Child, Empowering the Family, and Strengthening the Community
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Communities United, Inc. (CUI) offers full and part-day programming to meet the needs of families. Because CUI receives more applications than there are available slots in our programs, we maintain an active wait list from which vacancies are filled as they occur throughout the year. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into our program.
In response to COVID-19 pandemic and to facilitate the enrollment process remotely, we encourage all applicants to apply online. There are 3 steps to complete the application process:
1. Fill out the Enrollment Application
2. Fill out the Additional Child Information Form
3. Fill out the Income Verification Form
4 Fill out the Financial Assistance Form (if needed)
Please read the application process carefully and collect all requirement documents to upload when filling out the online application.
With your Application, you must also submit all of the following items:
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A copy of the Child’s Birth Certificate or Hospital Birth Record or Passport.
**Note: A copy of this document is required for each of the children that you claim as a “Dependent” on your Taxes.
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A copy of each household parent’s/guardian’s valid photo I.D.
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Your child’s (Applicant) current (within 1 year), Dental Examination form, completed by a dentist.
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A copy of the Child’s current Physical Examination form (within 1 year for Preschool and for Toddlers the closest physical to enrollment date and subsequent well baby checks) , completed by a doctor, including:
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Immunizations
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Tuberculosis (TB) status
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Lead test results
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Hematocrit or Hemoglobin test results
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Hearing and Vision screening results, if completed by doctor
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Medical and Disability Information
Children with special needs are encouraged to apply. To assist in the application process, staff will request copies of any assessments, evaluations, or reports done by specialists working with your child. This will assist us in determining if we are able to meet all of your child’s needs. Please note that a copy of the current IFSP or IEP is required to be submitted with the application.
If your child is receiving services from Early Intervention or the public schools, you must also submit:
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A copy of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Please be sure to fill out the additional forms as described here!
Financial Assistance
CUI receives funding to provide subsidized care from both the Federal Government (for Head Start and Early Head Start), and from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care (EEC) for a full-day and extended-day preschool program. In order to determine your families eligibility, acceptable proof of income must be submitted with the Financial Assistance form.
If you are applying for financial assistance, you must also submit, along with the Financial Assistance Form:
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A copy of your most recent income tax return (2019) or W-2 form, along with a current letter from your employer(s) stating your current salary and scheduled work hours, or
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Copies of consecutive recent pay stubs for your last month’s earnings, or
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Proof of current public assistance (TANF award letter) or proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Unemployment (award letters or check stubs), or
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A court or notarized letter stating amount of child support or alimony you are receiving.
We are making every effort to continue to serve families during these challenging times. Please fill this out and submit with your application so we can put your child on the appropriate waitlist. Once programs re-open, I understand I will need to submit official income documentation. Please check and complete all that apply:
If you are a new applicant, please fill out the Income Verification Form below.
Admissions
Once your application has been processed completely, you will be notified by CUI’s Admissions Office whether your child has been officially accepted, or placed on the waitlist.
Applicants who qualify for tuition assistance will be required to attend an in-person interview at their respective Creative Start center, prior to being waitlisted.
In providing services to children and their families, Communities United, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, national origin, gender, political belief, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.
When Your Child is Accepted
When your child is accepted to one of our programs, you will receive a phone call from one of our staff members. At this time, an appointment will be scheduled for you to visit the Center with your child. You will complete enrollment paperwork at this time.
A home visit with the teacher is typically scheduled to take place prior to your child’s first day of school. The home visit allows the teacher to get to know you and your child in the comfort of the child’s home. Next, a date will be set for you and your child to visit the program and your child’s classroom. This allows your child to meet his/her classroom teachers and classmates, and to become familiar with the classroom layout and daily routines.