Head Start and Early Head Start

If you’re raising a young child and money is tight, Head Start and Early Head Start might be the most valuable programs you’ve never heard of. These aren’t just free daycare slots—they’re comprehensive early childhood programs that wrap education, health care, nutrition, and family support into one package designed to give your child the best possible start in life.

Think of it this way: while your child is learning colors and letters in a quality classroom, they’re also getting dental checkups, vision screenings, nutritious meals, and developmental assessments. Meanwhile, you’re getting help setting family goals, finding job training, accessing mental health services, or navigating housing assistance. It’s a whole-family approach that recognizes your child’s success depends on your family’s stability.

The programs serve over a million children nationwide, from pregnancy through age five. Early Head Start focuses on pregnant people, infants, and toddlers up to age three. Head Start picks up from there, serving preschoolers ages three to five. Both are federally funded but run by local community organizations, which means the specific services and enrollment processes vary by location.

What makes these programs different from regular preschool or daycare? The comprehensive services. Every child gets health and developmental screenings. Every family gets a dedicated family advocate who helps you set goals and connect to community resources. And unlike many early childhood programs that end at 3 PM, many Head Start programs now offer full-day options that actually align with working parents’ schedules.

At a Glance

What These Programs Actually Offer

Head Start and Early Head Start go way beyond what most people think of as preschool. Here’s what you’re really getting:

Education and School Readiness: Your child gets age-appropriate learning activities designed by trained early childhood educators. For infants and toddlers in Early Head Start, that means play-based learning focused on language, motor skills, and social-emotional development. For preschoolers in Head Start, it’s more structured pre-literacy and pre-math activities that prepare them for kindergarten. The curriculum is research-based and regularly assessed to make sure your child is progressing.

Health and Developmental Services: Within 45 days of enrollment, your child will get a comprehensive health screening including vision, hearing, dental, and developmental assessments. If issues are identified, the program helps you access treatment. Many programs have partnerships with local health centers to provide on-site services. All children receive nutritious meals and snacks that meet USDA guidelines—for some families, this is the most reliable source of healthy food their child gets.

Family Support and Advocacy: You’ll be assigned a family advocate who works with you to identify goals and overcome barriers. Need help finding a job? They can connect you to workforce programs. Struggling with housing? They know the local resources. Dealing with domestic violence or mental health challenges? They can make referrals and help you access services. This isn’t judgmental social work—it’s collaborative problem-solving focused on what you want for your family.

Parent Engagement and Leadership: Head Start programs actively involve parents in their child’s education and in program governance. You can volunteer in the classroom, join parent committees, or even serve on the policy council that helps make decisions about how the program runs. Many parents find this builds their confidence and skills in ways that help them professionally.

Who Should Apply

Eligibility Pathways

1. Income-based: Families at or below the federal poverty level qualify. Programs can serve up to 35% of families with incomes between 100% and 130% of poverty if slots remain.
2. Categorical eligibility: Children experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or receiving TANF/SSI are automatically eligible regardless of income.
3. Pregnancy services: Expectant parents can enroll for prenatal support, childbirth education, and postpartum planning through Early Head Start.
4. Children with disabilities: At least 10% of slots are reserved for children with disabilities or developmental delays, with individualized education plans coordinated with local school districts.

Application Strategy

• Locate your program: Use the Head Start Locator or call 1-866-763-6481 to identify grantees. Ask about waitlist length, required documents, and service options (full-day vs. part-day).
• Gather documentation: Prepare proof of income (tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, benefit letters), proof of residency, the child’s birth certificate, and immunization records. If applying under categorical eligibility, collect foster care placement letters or McKinney-Vento verification.
• Schedule an intake meeting: Most programs conduct interviews to assess family goals. Arrive with questions about transportation, dual-language supports, and health services.
• Follow up on health requirements: Head Start requires up-to-date physicals, dental exams, and immunizations. Coordinate with community clinics; many offer expedited appointments for Head Start enrollees.
• Reconfirm annually: Eligibility is rechecked each program year. Report income or household changes promptly to maintain compliance.

Tips to Maximize Support

• Create a family partnership agreement: Collaborate with your family advocate to set goals in employment, education, or housing. Progress can unlock referrals to workforce training, GED classes, or rental assistance.
• Join policy councils: Parent leadership roles influence curriculum choices, bus routes, and budget priorities. Participation strengthens your resume and can offer stipends or mileage reimbursement.
• Leverage health services: Utilize on-site screenings to catch vision, hearing, or dental issues early. Bring results to pediatric appointments for coordinated care.
• Coordinate with child care subsidies: Many grantees braid Head Start hours with state child care vouchers to create full-day coverage. Submit subsidy applications simultaneously to avoid gaps.
• Document developmental milestones: Maintain a portfolio of Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) progress. This record smooths transitions into kindergarten and can support requests for specialized services.

Common Pitfalls

• Missing enrollment deadlines or not updating contact information, resulting in missed offers when slots open.
• Declining home visits without discussing alternatives; programs can often adapt schedules or meet in neutral locations.
• Assuming immigration status is a barrier—Head Start serves all eligible children regardless of status, though documentation helps verify residency.
• Delaying health appointments, which can postpone the child’s start date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to enroll my child? No. Head Start serves all eligible children regardless of immigration status. The program doesn’t ask about your status and doesn’t share information with immigration authorities. What matters is that your child lives in the community served by the program and meets the income or categorical eligibility requirements.

What if I work full-time? Are there full-day options? Many Head Start programs now offer extended hours specifically for working families, thanks to recent federal funding increases. Options vary by location, but you might find full-day center-based care, partnerships with local child care providers that combine Head Start with child care subsidies, or flexible home visiting schedules. Ask your local grantee what options they offer.

Can my child stay in the program if my income increases? Yes, in most cases. Once enrolled, children can typically continue through the program year even if your income goes up. When you reapply for the next year, programs have some flexibility to serve families who’ve moved above the poverty line if they’re making progress toward self-sufficiency.

What’s the difference between center-based and home visiting options? Center-based programs are what most people picture—your child attends a classroom setting with other children and teachers. Home visiting programs send an early childhood educator to your home weekly to work with you and your child together, teaching you activities to support development. Some families do a combination of both. Home visiting works well for infants, families in rural areas, or parents who want to be more directly involved in their child’s learning.

Will my child be ready for kindergarten after Head Start? Research consistently shows that children who attend Head Start enter kindergarten with stronger pre-literacy, math, and social skills than similar children who don’t attend. They’re more likely to know their letters and numbers, be able to sit and focus during instruction, and have the social skills to work with other children. Many Head Start programs work directly with local elementary schools to make the transition smooth.

What if my child has a disability or developmental delay? Head Start is actually one of the best options for young children with disabilities. Federal law requires that at least 10% of enrollment slots go to children with disabilities, and programs are experienced at creating individualized education plans and coordinating with specialists. If your child needs speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other services, Head Start will work with you to make sure they get them.

How long is the waitlist? This varies dramatically by location. Some programs have immediate openings, especially for infants in Early Head Start. Others have waitlists of several months. The best approach is to apply as soon as you know you’re interested, even if you’re pregnant or your child is very young. Many programs prioritize based on need, so families experiencing homelessness or other crises often move to the top of the list.

Can I choose which Head Start program my child attends? Usually you’re assigned to the program serving your geographic area. If multiple programs serve your neighborhood, you might have some choice, but this isn’t common. What you can often choose is the type of service—center-based vs. home visiting, for example—if your local program offers multiple options.

How to Apply and Get Started

Ready to explore Head Start or Early Head Start for your family? Here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Find Your Local Program
Use the Head Start Locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov or call 1-866-763-6481 to identify the grantee serving your area. You’ll need your zip code. The locator will give you contact information for nearby programs. Call them directly to ask about current openings, waitlist length, and what documents you’ll need.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation
Before your intake appointment, collect proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters), proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement), your child’s birth certificate, and immunization records. If you’re applying under categorical eligibility (homelessness, foster care, TANF, SSI), bring documentation of that status.

Step 3: Schedule an Intake Meeting
Most programs require an in-person interview to assess your family’s needs and explain program options. Come prepared with questions about transportation, meal programs, health services, and parent involvement opportunities. This is also when you’ll discuss your family goals and what support you’re looking for.

Step 4: Complete Health Requirements
Your child will need a current physical exam, dental checkup, and up-to-date immunizations to start. If you don’t have health insurance, ask the program for help—many have partnerships with community health centers that provide these services free or at reduced cost for Head Start families.

Step 5: Stay Engaged
Once enrolled, attend parent meetings, respond to communication from your family advocate, and keep the program updated if your contact information or family situation changes. The more engaged you are, the more your family will benefit.

Visit the official Head Start application page to get started: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/how-apply

Questions about eligibility or services? Contact your local Head Start grantee directly—they’re there to help you navigate the process and determine if the program is right for your family.