Frequently Asked Questions
Head Start programs offer families support services and the chance to participate as full partners in their child's education.
Children from birth to age 5 from families with low income, according to the federal Poverty Guidelines, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care, children experiencing homelessness, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.
Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.
Pregnant women and pregnant people may also be eligible for Early Head Start services.
Children in foster care are Head Start-eligible, regardless of family income.
Programs must ensure at least 10% of its total funded enrollment is filled by children eligible for services under Section 619 or Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure certain conditions are met.
Your local Head Start can help you figure out if your family qualifies. Use our program locator to find yours.
If you are ineligible for Head Start services, ChildCare.gov can help you locate other child care services in your community.
I am
Head Start
Head Start provided me with what the name implies: a head start in life. I was the first child in my family and it allowed my parents access to resources for me.
I am a first-generation college graduate and have multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Adult, Higher, and Community Education.
Sarah Haisley
Indiana Head Start Graduate
What is Head Start?
AND WHY IS IT DIFFERENT THAN CHILDCARE?
Health, Nutrition & Family
Head Start programs offer services that support children’s overall development, including health screenings, immunizations, nutrition assistance, family support, parent education, and referrals to community resources.
Trained Educators
There are no licensing regulations to work in a preschool, while Head Start lead teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree and, in some states, a master’s degree. Experience is highly regarded within Head Start.
Goals & Focus
Head Start is a comprehensive program that aims to promote school readiness and provide a holistic approach to child development. It focuses not only on early education but also on the overall well-being of children and their families.
What is Early Head Start?
Early Head Start is an extension of the Head Start program that focuses on serving pregnant women, infants, and toddlers from low-income families. It was created in 1994 to provide comprehensive early childhood services to children from birth to age 3, as well as support to expectant mothers.
Early Head Start programs offer a wide range of services to promote healthy prenatal development, enhance early learning, and support parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. These services include:
Early Education
Early Head Start provides high-quality early learning experiences for infants and toddlers. It offers age-appropriate activities that stimulate children’s cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional development.
Family Support
Early Head Start recognizes the vital role of parents and caregivers in a child’s development. It offers parenting education and support to help families enhance their parenting skills, establish strong bonds with their children, and promote positive family relationships.
Early Intervention & Special Needs
Early Head Start identifies and supports children with developmental delays or disabilities. It provides early intervention services and collaborates with other community resources to address children’s special needs.