Head Start and Early Head Start

Quick Facts

• Whole-family model: Programs pair classroom learning with health screenings, nutritious meals, and family goal setting.
• Two program types: Early Head Start serves pregnant people, infants, and toddlers; Head Start serves children ages 3–5.
• Tailored schedules: Options include center-based, home visiting, family child care, and partnership slots in community child care centers.
• Local control: Community agencies set recruitment timelines and selection criteria, so engage directly with your local grantee.

Why It Matters

Head Start narrows school readiness gaps by combining high-quality instruction with supports like dental checks, developmental screenings, and parent coaching. Families gain access to referrals for housing, mental health, and job training. Participation also creates priority status for related services such as public housing waitlist preferences or state child care subsidies. In 2025, expanded federal funding is helping grantees increase teacher pay and extend hours to align with working parents’ schedules.

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.

Success Snapshot

A bilingual family in Arizona enrolled their toddler in Early Head Start after a community health worker hosted an information session. The program provided diapers, formula assistance, and weekly home visits focused on language-rich play. The family advocate helped the parents create a plan to obtain child care subsidies and enroll in evening ESL classes. When the child transitioned to Head Start at age three, the center coordinated speech therapy on site and arranged transportation to medical appointments. By age five, the child met kindergarten readiness benchmarks, and the parents reported increased income from new job certifications supported through Head Start referrals.