What it is
Head Start (and Early Head Start for the youngest children) provides free, comprehensive early childhood education to eligible families — along with health, nutrition, and family-support services. It’s run through the Office of Head Start (in the Administration for Children and Families, part of the Department of Health and Human Services) — not the Department of Education — and delivered by about 1,600 local grantees. It has four service tracks: Head Start (ages 3–5), Early Head Start (birth to 3 and pregnant women), Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (children of farmworkers), and American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start.
Who it's for
Head Start primarily serves families with low incomes — generally at or below the federal poverty guideline (about $27,000 for a family of three in 2026) — and children experiencing homelessness, in foster care, receiving certain public assistance, or with disabilities often qualify regardless of income. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children birth to age 3; Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5. Eligibility rules can vary locally — ask your local program.
Steps to take
How to enroll:
- Find a local programUse the Head Start locator (link below) to find programs near you
- Contact them directlyLocal programs handle their own enrollment and waitlists
- Gather documentsYou’ll typically need proof of age, income, and residence — ask what’s required
- Apply earlySpots can be limited — get on lists as soon as you can
Why it matters
Head Start is more than preschool. Programs typically provide:
- Early learningPlay-based, developmentally appropriate education
- Health servicesScreenings, referrals, and support for medical, dental, and mental health
- NutritionHealthy meals and snacks
- Family supportHelp connecting families to community resources and goals
- Services for disabilitiesSupport and inclusion for children with disabilities
Frequently asked questions
- Does Head Start cost anything?No — it’s free for eligible families.
- What ages does it serve?Early Head Start: birth to 3; Head Start: ages 3 to 5.
- Do I have to be low-income?It primarily serves low-income families, but other situations can qualify — ask locally.
- How do I find a program?Use the Head Start locator, or ask your school district.
Key facts
- Run byHealth & Human Services (HHS)
- Early Head StartBirth to age 3
- Head StartAges 3 to 5
- CostFree for eligible families
Where to learn more
Find a program and learn more: