Recruitment has begun for children between the ages of 3 and 5 for Head Start programs in Selma and surrounding counties.

The program, Family and Community Projects Specialist Judith Hardy said, begins recruitment early because of the high volume of children who participate.

“We have about 677 overall for Dallas, Choctaw, Marengo and Wilcox counties,” she said. “And there are 422 just in Dallas. We try to get an early start on the recruitment so we can be ready for the selection process after May 1 or the first of June.”

Head Start, Hardy said, is a comprehensive development program that serves low-income children and their families, including children with severe disabilities.

Applicants for the program must have a child’s certified birth certificate, proof of income, a blue slip immunization record, a Social Security and Medicaid card and physical and dental records.

Children who meet the requirements are eligible, Hardy said, regardless of race, sex, creed, color, religion, national origin or disabling conditions.

Recruitment is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the main office, which is located at 713 J.L. Chestnut Blvd.

For more information call (334) 410-1093.