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Head Start and Early Head Start

Intro

Head Start and Early Head Start programs prepare children from birth to age 5 for school and life. These programs support the whole child by offering early education, health screenings and family resources. 

Services/Topics
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Eligibility

Eligibility

Your family may qualify if:

  • Your household income is equal to or below 100% of the federal poverty guideline.
  • Your family is eligible for public assistance, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) child-only payment or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • Your family is experiencing homelessness.
  • The child is in foster care.
Benefits

Benefits

​Head Start programs promote the development and learning of young children from low-income families. Services include early learning, health and family well-being. 

Resources
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Teacher stacks cups with a child at a table while two other children play with toys
More Information

Head Start programs support children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment. Services include:

  • Early learning: Teachers create activities that match your child’s needs. Children build social skills, manage emotions, and grow language and reading skills.
  • Family support: Each family can get help with the goals that matter most to them. Staff work with caregivers to reach personal goals like finding steady housing, continuing school or improving their finances. Programs also support parents and caregivers in building strong connections with their children and taking part in their child’s learning and growth.
  • Health and wellness: Children receive health screenings, medical and dental care, healthy meals, and mental health support.

Types of Programs

Early Head Start

Early Head Start is for pregnant women and children from birth up to age 3. Some Early Head Start services are provided weekly by a home visitor that works with families in their home. Other programs offer center-based Early Head Start in early learning centers or family child care homes. Find Early Head Start programs near you through Help Me Connect.

Head Start

Head Start is for children ages 3–5 and their families. Head Start home visiting or classrooms may be available in an early learning center, a local school or a family child care home. Head Start may be offered half-day (four hours) or full-day depending on the program in your community. Find Head Start programs near you through Help Me Connect.

Connect with your local Head Start program.
Complete a Head Start and Public Preschool Referral
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A male teacher points to a paper while helping a young student

School-based Preschool Programs

​School-based early learning programs for 3- and 4-year-olds are designed to help children learn, grow, and develop, providing them with the skills and abilities for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond.
Parents and their children play on the floor

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) offers caregivers of young children a space to connect with other families and participate in activities that support both parenting and children's learning and development.