What is the Head Start program?
The Head Start program is a federally-funded early childhood education program that provides free childcare, preschool, meals, and developmental support to children ages three to five from low-income families.
- Its sister program, Early Head Start, provides similar services for children at birth up to age 3.
- Head Start is designed to help kids enter kindergarten healthy and supported, while also helping their parents and caregivers work, attend school, or manage other responsibilities.
Here’s who qualifies for Head Start and how it works.
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How does the Head Start program work?#how-does-the-head-start-program-work
Head Start programs are run by local organizations like school districts, nonprofits, and community organizations, but they’re funded by the federal government.
The exact schedule (and what services are available) can vary by Head Start location, but all Head Start programs follow national standards and can provide:
- Free preschool or daycare for children ages 3 to 5
- Part-day or full-day care, depending on the program
- Free meals and snacks
- Free health screenings for kids (vision, hearing, dental, developmental)
- Support for children with disabilities
- Family support services, including referrals to healthcare, SNAP, WIC, and housing help
Head Start programs usually run during the school year, though some locations offer year-round care.
If your child qualifies and is accepted into Head Start, they stay eligible through the rest of that school year. This helps families avoid losing care even if their situation changes slightly.
Head Start vs. Early Head Start#head-start-vs-early-head-start
Head Start and Early Head Start are related programs, but they serve different age groups. While Head Start serves children ages three to five (preschool age), Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers from birth to age three, as well as pregnant people.
Early Head Start often includes:
- Home visits
- Center-based infant and toddler care
- Parenting and infant development support
If your child is under three, you should apply for Early Head Start instead of Head Start.
Pregnant people and people with children under five can also benefit from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children, called (WIC for short) which provides health and nutrition assistance to low-income families.
Who qualifies for Head Start?#who-qualifies-for-head-start
Head Start is primarily for low-income families, but income is not the only factor for eligibility.
Your child may qualify if at least one of the following is true:
- Your household income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (with some slots reserved for those making less than 130% of the federal poverty level). Programs are allowed to enroll a small number of children from families with slightly higher incomes, depending on availability
- Your household would be eligible for public assistance without childcare (often because of an inability to work)
- Your household receives SNAP (food stamps), TANF (Cash EBT), Medicaid, Social Security Income (SSI), or other public assistance
- Your household is experiencing homelessness
- Your household includes a child (or children) in foster care
- Your household has a child with a disability or developmental delay
Because Head Start spots are dependent on local availability and safe staff-to-child ratios, meeting eligibility criteria doesn’t always guarantee your spot.
You may get put on a waitlist even if you meet all the criteria. But if you need childcare and think you might qualify, it’s still worth applying for Head Start as soon as possible.
Does Head Start cost money?#does-head-start-cost-money
No, Head Start is free. Head Start will never ask for money for your child to participate in official Head Start services, activities like field trips, or care during hours of operation.
Families do not pay tuition, enrollment fees, or monthly childcare costs for Head Start programs. Meals, educational services, and health screenings are included at no cost.
If you ever hear of a fee related to Head Start it might be an additional service offered at the same facility, like as before- and after-care hours.
How do you apply for Head Start?#how-do-you-apply-for-head-start
To apply for Head Start you will need to go through your local Head Start program, not through a federal website.
How to get started
- Find your local Head Start provider by either
- Using the Head Start center locator tool
- Searching “Head Start” and your ZIP code online,
- Calling your local social services office
- Visiting ChildCare.gov, selecting your state or territory, and clicking the “Child Development and Early Learning Resources” button to find Head Start and Early Head Start programs near you as well as other childcare resources
- Contact your closest Head Start program to ask about availability and enrollment
- Submit a Head Start application with all required documents
You might need proof of income, proof of your child’s age (birth certificate or other identification), proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage), and sometimes documentation of public assistance benefits like SNAP or Medicaid (if applicable).
Most Head Start programs accept applications year-round, even if enrollment happens later.
What to expect after applying for Head Start#what-to-expect-after-applying-for-head-start
After you apply to Head Start, the program will review your eligibility and contact you if a spot is available.
Head Start does not have a federal rule about how long applications will take, but programs are required to fill open slots as soon as possible when they become available.
If you are accepted to Head Start, staff will explain:
- Your child’s schedule
- Transportation options (some programs provide buses)
- Any required health forms or screenings
- What supplies are provided (often most school supplies are included)
If there is no spot available, the Head Start program will place your child on a waitlist. If you’re waiting for a spot, it’s okay to contact the program regularly to see if there are any openings.
If your income or situation worsens, reporting any changes to the Head Start program can sometimes bump you up on the waitlist and get you a spot faster.
