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Head Start

Federal early childhood education, health, and nutrition program for low-income children (birth to age 5) and their families. Includes Early Head Start (birth to 3) and Head Start (3 to 5). Administered by ACF/HHS under CFDA 93.600.

Comprehensive early childhood services including education, health screenings, dental care, nutrition (meals and snacks), mental health services, and family support. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children birth to 3. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5. Programs operate as full-day, part-day, or home-based. Serves approximately 1 million children annually. No cost to families.

Eligibility

  • Household income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Applicant age: under 5

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • What are the current income and asset limits, and whose income counts? — Our record lists 100% of the federal poverty level — limits change, so confirm the current figures.
  • Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

What this record does not yet say

  • local program availability
  • waitlist information
  • program hours by location

Services

Comprehensive early childhood services including education, health screenings, dental care, nutrition (meals and snacks), mental health services, and family support. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children birth to 3. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5. Programs operate as full-day, part-day, or home-based. Serves approximately 1 million children annually. No cost to families.

How to apply

  • Contact the Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving your community for eligibility requirements and how to apply

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.