What is a Head Start & Early Head Start?
Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded early-childhood programs that promote school readiness for children from low-income families. Head Start serves children ages 3–5; Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to age 3. Beyond education, they provide health, nutrition, and family support in a whole-child, whole-family approach. Programs are free to eligible families and run by local agencies nationwide.
History & origins
Head Start began in 1965 as part of the federal effort to support the development of young children from low-income families; Early Head Start was later added for the birth-to-three years and expectant families.
Philosophy & approach
Head Start takes a comprehensive, whole-child, whole-family approach to school readiness — supporting learning, health, and family stability in the earliest years, when development matters most.
Curriculum & academics
Programs provide age-appropriate early learning to build pre-literacy, early math, language, and social-emotional skills, alongside health and developmental screenings, nutrition, and family engagement and support services. Options include center-based, home-based (home visits), and family child care.
The classroom & school day
Settings are nurturing early-childhood environments — center-based classrooms, home visits, or family child care — with strong family involvement.
Grade levels & structure
Head Start serves ages 3–5; Early Head Start serves birth to age 3 and pregnant women.
Admissions & enrollment
Enrollment is free for eligible families (primarily income-based, with other eligibility categories), through local Head Start agencies. Availability depends on the local program and slots.
Costs & financial aid
Head Start and Early Head Start are free for eligible families (federally funded).
Accreditation & governance
Programs are federally funded and regulated under the Head Start Program Performance Standards and run by local grantees. Families enroll through their local program.
Is a Head Start & Early Head Start right for your child?
Head Start suits low-income families seeking free, comprehensive early education plus health, nutrition, and family support for young children — and expectant families (Early Head Start).
How it compares to other schools
Head Start is a specific federal early-childhood program within the broader Preschools category, distinct in its comprehensive services and income-based eligibility.
Finding Head Start & Early Head Start
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists preschools, early-childhood programs, and other schools across the country.
Key facts
- WhatFree federal early-childhood programs for low-income families
- AgesHead Start 3–5; Early Head Start birth–3 (and pregnant women)
- IncludesEarly learning plus health, nutrition, and family support
- SinceHead Start began in 1965
- CostFree for eligible families
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: