Last updated 5 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.
What Are Head Start Programs?
Head Start and Early Head Start are free federal programs that prepare children from birth to age five for school success. Operated by the Office of Head Start within the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, these programs support not just children but also pregnant individuals and families.
Since 1965, Head Start has promoted school readiness through a “whole child” approach that addresses education, health, and family well-being. These programs operate nationwide, including in tribal lands and U.S. territories.
What Services Do Head Start Programs Offer?
Head Start programs provide more than early education. They offer comprehensive services tailored to community needs. Operated locally by non-profits, community action agencies, and school districts, these programs respond to each area’s unique circumstances.
The core philosophy recognizes that learning is connected to health and family stability.
Early Learning & Development
Head Start’s educational goal is to foster school readiness. Programs enhance cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through individualized learning experiences.
They use play-based activities and interactions to build skills in language, literacy, mathematics, and science. Programs emphasize cultural responsiveness and work with families and schools to ensure smooth transitions to kindergarten.
Health Services
Healthy children learn better. Every enrolled child receives health screenings, nutritious meals, and oral health support. Programs connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services in their community.
Safe learning environments help build children’s resilience and ability to cope with potential trauma. Mental health consultation is available to families, focusing on children’s needs.
Family Support
Head Start uses a two-generation model, recognizing that supporting the family benefits the child. Programs help parents achieve goals related to housing, education, employment, and finances.
Staff strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families in their child’s learning. Parents are recognized as their children’s first teachers and are encouraged to participate in program governance through Parent Committees and Policy Councils.
Program Types & Settings
Head Start offers different options to meet diverse family needs:
Head Start Preschool
The original model serves children aged 3-5. Most programs are center-based in schools or dedicated facilities, though some include home visits. Many offer full-day, full-year services for working families.
Early Head Start (EHS)
Established in 1994, EHS serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers up to age 3. It focuses on healthy parent-child attachments and provides comprehensive support from pregnancy onward. EHS offers several options:
- Home-Based Option: Families receive weekly 90-minute home visits from trained staff who help parents support their child’s development. Families also attend group socialization activities about twice monthly.
- Center-Based Option: Services occur primarily in classrooms with home visits at least twice yearly. Centers maintain low teacher-to-child ratios (one teacher for no more than four infants/toddlers, maximum group size of eight with two teachers) to ensure quality care.
- Family Child Care Option: Services take place in licensed private homes. These providers follow similar operational standards and ratio requirements as center-based care.
- Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships: These allow EHS programs to collaborate with local child care providers to bring comprehensive services to infants and toddlers already in child care.
This variety reflects Head Start’s commitment to flexibility, adapting to family schedules, preferences, and community contexts.
Eligibility Requirements
Head Start targets vulnerable children and families through several qualification pathways.
Income Eligibility
Most families qualify based on household income. A family is eligible if their gross annual income is at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines published yearly by the Department of Health and Human Services.
These guidelines vary based on household size and are updated annually to reflect inflation. The official source for current guidelines is the HHS Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation website.
2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines (48 Contiguous States & D.C.)
| Persons in family/household | Poverty guideline |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 |
| 2 | $21,150 |
| 3 | $26,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 |
| 5 | $37,650 |
| 6 | $43,150 |
| 7 | $48,650 |
| 8 | $54,150 |
| For each additional person, add: | $5,500 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines due to higher living costs.
Categorical Eligibility
Certain circumstances automatically qualify a child regardless of family income:
Receiving Public Assistance
Families qualify if they receive benefits from:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Foster Care
Children in foster care qualify automatically. This includes children in formal kinship care placed by child welfare agencies. Eligibility is based on the child’s foster status, not the foster family’s income.
Homelessness
Children qualify if they meet the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act definition of homeless. This includes children lacking fixed, regular housing, such as those in shelters, transitional housing, cars, parks, or doubled-up with other families due to economic hardship. Children living temporarily with relatives because of parental substance misuse or incarceration may also qualify.
Children with Disabilities
Head Start programs must ensure at least 10% of their enrollment includes children eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Programs cannot deny enrollment based on disability or chronic health conditions. Families with children who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) might receive priority among over-income applicants.
Income Flexibility Options
Programs have some flexibility to serve families with incomes above the poverty line:
- 10% Allowance: Programs may fill up to 10% of slots with children from families above income guidelines.
- Additional 35% Allowance: Programs may enroll up to 35% of children from families with incomes between 100% and 130% of poverty guidelines, but only after meeting certain conditions, such as serving all eligible lower-income applicants first.
These options aren’t guaranteed and depend on local program policies, capacity, and community needs.
Other Eligibility Considerations
- Housing Cost Adjustment: If a family spends more than 30% of income on housing, programs may deduct excessive housing costs when calculating eligibility.
- Migrant and Seasonal Head Start: These programs serve children of agricultural workers who meet income requirements and engage in qualifying seasonal work.
- American Indian and Alaska Native Programs: Tribal programs may prioritize tribal members and have different allowances for over-income enrollment.
- Kinship Care: Children living with relatives often qualify based on circumstances leading to the arrangement.
- Age Requirements: Children must be under 3 for Early Head Start or 3-5 (and not yet eligible for kindergarten) for Head Start preschool.
These complex eligibility rules show Head Start’s commitment to serving vulnerable children in various circumstances.
Finding a Head Start Program Near You
Once you determine potential eligibility, the next step is finding a local program.
Head Start Center Locator
The most direct way to find nearby programs is through the official Head Start Center Locator.
The tool lets you search by zip code, city, or state, with filters for:
- Search radius (1 to 50 miles or unlimited)
- Program type (Head Start Preschool, Early Head Start, Migrant/Seasonal, or American Indian/Alaska Native programs)
Search results show a list and map of centers with contact information. This is your key to starting the application process.
Toll-Free Hotline
If you prefer speaking with someone directly or don’t have internet access, call the toll-free number: 1-866-763-6481
The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Other Resources
While the Locator and hotline are primary resources, other organizations can provide information:
- State Head Start Collaboration Offices: Each state has an office that coordinates between Head Start and state agencies. Find a directory at the Head Start website.
- Local Community Action Agencies: Many Head Start programs operate through these agencies. Search online for the Community Action Agency in your area.
- ChildCare.gov: This HHS website offers resources for finding various child care options if you’re ineligible for Head Start or no slots are available.
For direct application information, use the official Head Start Center Locator or toll-free hotline.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is managed locally, with steps varying between programs.
Contact Your Local Program
The most important step is contacting the program you found through the Center Locator or hotline. Program staff will guide you through their specific process.
General Application Steps
While details vary, applications typically involve:
- Initial Contact & Eligibility Discussion: Call the local program to discuss your situation and determine potential eligibility.
- Obtain Application Forms: The program will provide necessary forms, either online, in person, or by mail.
- Gather Required Documents: Common requirements include:
- Proof of child’s age (birth certificate)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Income verification (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters)
- Parent/guardian photo ID
- Child’s immunization records
- Disability documentation (if applicable)
- Guardianship/custody papers (if applicable)
- Submit Application & Documents: Return completed forms and copies of documents according to program instructions.
Process Variations
Application details differ between programs:
- Some conduct family interviews while others don’t
- Processing times vary
- Communication methods (mail, email, phone) differ
Ask your local program about their specific procedures, timelines, and notification methods.
After You Apply: Selection and Waiting Lists
Enrollment isn’t always immediate, even for eligible families.
The Selection Process
Head Start doesn’t operate on first-come, first-served basis. Programs prioritize children with greatest need:
- Each program establishes selection criteria based on their community assessment
- Common priority factors include:
- Low family income
- Homelessness
- Foster care status
- Disabilities
- Child’s age
- Community-specific risk factors
Many programs use a point system to rank applicants objectively. This ensures limited slots go to families who need them most.
Waiting Lists
Most programs maintain waiting lists because funding can’t serve every eligible child:
- If no immediate openings exist, ask to be placed on the waiting list
- Children are ranked by priority, not application date
- As slots open, they’re filled from the highest-ranked children on the list
- A family’s position may change as new higher-priority applicants join the list
- Wait times vary significantly
Notification and Enrollment
Programs notify families about application status—whether accepted or waitlisted. If selected, the final enrollment process typically involves:
- Confirming information
- Attending orientation or receiving a home visit
- Submitting health documents (immunization records, physical exam results)
Understanding that selection prioritizes need and waiting lists are common helps set realistic expectations. Throughout the process, maintain communication with your local program for updates and assistance.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.