Final answer:
Joshua's mother should enroll him in a Head Start program, which is specifically designed to provide educational support to children from low-income families, preparing them for elementary school. option (a)
Step-by-step explanation:
Joshua's mother should look into enrolling him in a Head Start program. This is a federal program aimed at providing early childhood education to students from families with limited educational and financial resources. Head Start programs are designed to give children the developmental and educational boost they might need to prepare for elementary school. They provide a range of services that can include health, nutrition, and parent involvement to support children's growth cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
Given Joshua's family lives below the poverty line, a Head Start program would be the most suitable, as it aims to decrease the achievement gap that can arise from socioeconomic disparities. It offers a supportive educational environment tailored to the needs of children facing the types of challenges Joshua might encounter.