Headstart waiting list overflows

Concluding its lengthy registration period this week, the CNMI Headstart Program reported it has drawn more student applicants than it can accommodate for the next school year.

Program Director Dino Taitano laments over having to turn down many applications, citing that the federally funded Headstart Program requires that only 10 percent of its student enrollment should consist of children from high income families.

“We have finished the registration and we found that a lot of parents have not met the qualifications, income-wise. We would like to accommodate them but we don’t have space as well as resources to accommodate everyone,” said Mr. Taitano.

Children who belong to high income bracket families are entertained on a first come, first serve basis, according to the program director.

Headstarters who do not qualify for the program for the school year is placed in the priority list.

Right now, the program has reached its maximum 580 student enrollment.

The program operates under a $1.2 million budget based on federal funds. The local government provides close to $100,000 for Headstart for its yearly operations.

Headstart Policy Council Chair Konrad Reyes said funding is not the major factor which hinders the program to take in as many students as it wants.

“We can’t keep on asking for federal money to build the additional structures. For one thing, we can’t do CIP. We have to sit down with our local leaders for that,” said Mr. Reyes.

Mr. Reyes also underscored the need to zero in on the “real” problem. “We have to raise the issue on many kids are really on the waiting list,” he added.

He said that with the accurate figures on hand, concrete solutions can be arranged.

Meanwhile, Mr. Taitano said the program continues to exist due to all-out support from the surrounding community.

“The parents have been a big help and right now we have private companies that have been associated with the program for a long time. We have been dependent on them and we wish that other agencies to get involve with the program,” said Mr. Taitano.

Saipan Ice, National Office Supply, Micro School Supply, Department of Public Safety, Mayor’s office, Egg farm, Saipan sea venture, Pacific Development Inc, are some of the program’s generous supporters, according to Mr. Taitano. (MM)