🧒 How to Apply for Head Start or Early Head Start
Head Start programs provide free early learning, health, nutrition, and family services for eligible children and families. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant people, while Head Start preschool generally serves children ages 3 to 5.
Use the official Head Start application page and center locator. Applications are handled by local programs, which explain eligibility, documents, openings, and waiting lists.
Eligibility can consider income, public benefits, foster care, homelessness, and other circumstances. Apply even if uncertain, and ask to join the waiting list when no seat is immediately available.
Local programs may rank eligible families using community priorities rather than first-come order alone. Keep the program updated about phone, address, income, foster placement, housing instability, or disability needs while waiting.
📋 Documents you'll need
- Child's birth date and identity information
- Parent or guardian identification and contact details
- Household income records or proof of qualifying benefits
- Foster-care, homelessness, or housing documentation when relevant
- Child health, disability, and developmental information requested
- Immunization or medical records required for enrollment
- Pregnancy documentation for relevant Early Head Start services
🪜 Step-by-step
- Open the Head Start locator and search by city, state, or ZIP code.
- Identify programs matching the child's age and family circumstances.
- Call and ask about eligibility, openings, deadlines, and documents.
- Complete the program's application or intake appointment.
- Submit income, household, age, and category verification.
- Discuss disability services, language access, transportation, and supports.
- Read the acceptance or waiting-list notice and keep contacts current.
- Complete health and enrollment requirements before the start date.
| Estimated cost | Head Start and Early Head Start services are free for enrolled eligible families. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Local timelines depend on enrollment periods and available seats. A family may be placed on a waiting list even after eligibility is confirmed. |
Frequently asked questions
Is Head Start only for four-year-olds?
No. Program types serve pregnant people and children from birth through age 5, depending on the local grantee.
What if there are no openings?
Ask to join the waiting list and contact other nearby programs shown in the locator.
Can a child with a disability participate?
Yes. Programs welcome children with disabilities and coordinate required supports.