A method for allowing a node in a wireless communication network to access time slot assignment information on multiple channels includes assigning the node to a first channel associated with a channelized neighborhood having a plurality of nodes. The node communicates in accordance with an access protocol having a common channel frame portion and a channelized frame portion. A plurality of staggered channelized bootstrap slot sections are provided in the channelized frame portion. Each channelized bootstrap slot section is associated with a different channel and offset in time from the other channelized bootstrap slot sections.