LEWISTON – Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care offers school readiness and social skills for children in Androscoggin County in a three-and-a-half hour preschool program, free for income eligible families. Early reading and writing skills are a special focus. Snacks and lunch are provided.

Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care is accepting applications for that and other programs. Open enrollment will be held on the following dates:

Monday, July 21, and Monday, July 28, 9 to 11 a.m., Turner Head Start Center, Turner Primary School, RR 1, Turner.

Monday, July 21, and Monday, July 28, 9 to 11 a.m., Lisbon Center, Lisbon Elementary School, 19 Gartley St., Lisbon.

Monday, July 28, 9 to 11 a.m., and Friday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tri-Town Center, 40 Lewiston St., Mechanic Falls.

In order to apply, parents must bring a copy of the child’s immunization record and official birth certificate, also proof of income. The center will also need information on the date of birth and social security numbers of all family members.

For more information or make an appointment, call Tanya Hamilton at 795-4040, extension 25, or visit the main office at 269 Bates St.

Programs include center-based and home-based Head Start, center-based and home-based child care, early Head Start and home start and child care program.

All programs are free to eligible children and full-day child care services are available on a sliding fee scale for parents who are working, in school or participating in job training. Applications for all programs are accepted throughout the year.