The CNMI Public School System Head Start / Early Head Start Program is a federally funded initiative dedicated to serving children and families across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. With administrative offices located on Saipan, we provide high-quality early childhood experiences and comprehensive support services designed to build the skills, health, and confidence children need to succeed in Kindergarten and beyond.
As a comprehensive program, we look beyond the classroom to support the "whole child." Our services include:
Our Head Start Preschool classrooms are vibrant, nurturing spaces designed to prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond. We focus on the whole child, blending high-quality learning with social-emotional development, health, and family support.
Our Early Head Start Program offers a warm, safe, and loving environment designed specifically for our youngest learners. We understand that the first three years of life are critical for brain development, which is why our program focuses on nurturing secure attachments, fostering early communication, and supporting physical growth.
To conveniently serve families across Saipan, the program operates 7 Head Start and 4 Early Head Start facilities with three of our sites offering both Head Start and Early Head Start services. Our classrooms are strategically situated in various villages to ensure that high-quality early learning is accessible right in your community.
To serve families on Tinian, the program operates a dedicated site centrally located in the main village of San Jose. This site offers Head Start services, making high-quality early learning easily accessible for families with preschool-aged children right in the heart of the community.
To serve families on Rota, the program operates a dedicated Head Start site located in Sinapalo. While the classrooms are based in Sinapalo, this site provides high-quality early learning services that serve all villages across Rota, ensuring that comprehensive education is accessible to every preschool-aged child on the island.
Chalan Kanoa Head Start/Early Head Start Center
Head Start
1 Full-Day Classroom
2 Double-Session Classrooms
Early Head Start
3 Classrooms
Dandan Head Start/Early Head Start Center
Head Start
1 Double-Session Classroom
Early Head Start
1 Classroom
Joaquim M Rabaluiman (JMR) Head Start Center
Head Start
2 Full-Day Classrooms
1 Double-Session Classroom
Kagman Head Start/Early Head Start Center
Head Start
1 Full-Day Classroom
Early Head Start
1 Classroom
Oleai Head Start Center
Head Start
2 Full-Day Classrooms
San Antonio Head Start Center
Head Start
1 Full-Day Classroom
Susupe Early Head Start Center
Early Head Start
1 Classroom
Tanapag Head Start/Early Head Start Center
Head Start
2 Full-Day Classrooms
Early Head Start
1 Classroom
Magdalena M Hofschneider Head Start Center, Tinian
Head Start
1 Full-Day Classroom
Sinapalo Head Start Center, Rota
Head Start
1 Full-Day Classroom
The CNMI Public School System Head Start/Early Head Start Program accepts applications year-round. We offer a comprehensive, free early childhood program designed to support the growth and development of our community’s youngest learners and their families.
Applying for the CNMI PSS Head Start/Early Head Start Program is now more flexible! We accept both online and paper applications. To ensure a smooth enrollment process, please follow the steps below to submit your application along with all necessary supporting documents.
To process your application, we require copies of the following documents. If applying online, please have digital copies (clear photos or scans) ready. If applying via paper, please attach clear photocopies or have original documents ready for photocopying.
Proof of Child’s Age: Such as birth certificate or passport.
Parent/Guardian Identification: Valid Government-issued ID (e.g., Driver’s License, Mayor’s ID, or Passport).
Eligibility Documentation: Please provide one of the following:
Proof of Income (Income tax returns, W-2s, past 12 months of check stubs, or employer verification).
Documentation of Foster Care status.
Verification of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Verification of Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP/Food Stamps).
Information on displacement or unhoused status.
Special Services (if applicable): A copy of your child’s current IEP (Individualized Education Program) or IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan).
Option A: Apply Online (Recommended)
Complete the official application and upload your documents directly through our secure portal:
Online Application: https://cnmipss.jotform.com/form/HSEHS-application
Option B: Apply via Paper
If you prefer to submit a hard copy, you have two ways to get an application:
Download & Print: [Click here to download the printable application form].
Pick Up In-Person: You may pick up a physical application packet at our main office on Saipan or at our center offices
on Tinian and Rota.
Once completed, return the form along with the required documents to any of our office locations or by email.
CNMI PSS Head Start/Early Head Start Main Office, Building 1256, Capitol Hill
Magdalena M Hofschnider Head Start Center, Tinian
Sinapalo Head Start Center, Rota
Email: hsehs@cnmipss.org
After your application and documents are received:
A Family Services team member will conduct a mandatory intake interview.
The eligibility determination will be completed upon completion of the intake interview.
Upon completion of the eligibility determination, families will be provided with the necessary health forms along with clear guidance for submission.
These health forms must be completed by a licensed medical professional and returned to our office. This step is essential to finalize your child’s selection for enrollment for the upcoming school year.
If you need help choosing an application method or gathering your documents, please contact us:
Saipan: (670) 664-3761 / 323-7446
Tinian: (670) 287-9934
Rota: (670) 532-0484
Email: hsehs@cnmipss.org
Our comprehensive early learning services, meals, and family support are provided at absolutely no fee to families.
Children from 6 weeks to age 5 from families with low income, according to the federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii, or receiving public assistance (SSI or NAP) are eligible for services. The guidelines are changed each year. The best way to see if your family is eligible is to submit an application or call (670) 664-3761 / 323-7446 to speak to a Family Services staff.
Children in foster care and families experiencing homelessness are eligible for services.
The program may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. The program may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.
All families must submit a completed application and supporting documents. Once the eligibility determination is completed, the next step is to complete all the required health documents. Children must have a valid School Health Certificate as required by Public Law 6-10.
Once an application has been screened, your child will be placed on our waitlist and will be qualified for selection based on our point-based priority scale. Please note that we do not provide information on “ranking” due to our waitlist constantly changing.
A waitlist is maintained to ensure that all funded enrollment slots can be filled timely when an enrollment vacancy occurs.
If your child is currently on the waitlist, they will stay on the waitlist for the current school year, and families will be contacted as soon as an enrollment slot can be offered for your child.
In the event your child is not selected by March, new applications are required for the next school year for consideration. Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 30 are eligible for kindergarten and should register at the elementary school based on the school zone.
No, your child does not have to be potty trained to join our program. We welcome all eligible children where they are at. For our youngest learners, diapers and pull-ups are a normal part of their day. When it is developmentally appropriate for your child, our teaching staff and Family Partnership Advocates will work closely with you and your family to create and support a consistent potty training plan both at school and at home.
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