Head Start Program: What Parents Need to Know

Head Start is the largest federally funded preschool program in the United States. It is free. It serves nearly one million children from low-income families every year. If you qualify, it is one of the best childcare deals available. Here is how it works.

What Is Head Start?

Head Start is a federal program run by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created in 1965 as part of President Johnson's War on Poverty. The program provides free preschool education, health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support services to children ages 3-5 from low-income families.

The federal government funds Head Start through grants to local agencies. These grantees are typically nonprofits, school districts, or community action agencies. They operate the programs at the local level, following federal Head Start Performance Standards.

Head Start is not a single national program with identical classrooms everywhere. Local programs vary in their schedules, settings, and specific services. Some run full-day programs. Others are half-day. Some operate in dedicated centers. Others are in schools, churches, or community buildings.

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility is based primarily on family income, but there are several paths in:

Income-Based Eligibility

Families with income at or below the federal poverty level qualify. For 2026, the poverty guidelines are approximately:

• Family of 2: $20,440
• Family of 3: $25,820
• Family of 4: $32,150
• Family of 5: $37,530

These numbers are updated annually by HHS. Check the current guidelines if you are close to the threshold.

Automatic Eligibility (Regardless of Income)

• Children in foster care
• Children experiencing homelessness (as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act)
• Families receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• Families receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Over-Income Enrollment

Programs can enroll up to 10% of children from families above the poverty line. Some programs also reserve slots for children with disabilities, regardless of income. If you are slightly over the income limit, it is still worth applying.

What Head Start Provides

Head Start is more than preschool. The program offers a set of services designed to support the whole child and the family:

Education

• Structured preschool curriculum aligned with school readiness goals
• Individualized learning plans for each child
• Regular developmental screenings and assessments
• Kindergarten transition support

Health

• Vision, hearing, and dental screenings
• Help connecting with a medical and dental home
• Mental health support and referrals
• Nutrition education

Meals

• Breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks provided at no cost
• Meals meet USDA nutrition standards
• Accommodation for food allergies and special diets

Family Support

• Family needs assessments
• Help with housing, job training, and education goals
• Parenting workshops
• Referrals to community resources
• Parent involvement in classroom activities and governance

Early Head Start

Early Head Start extends the program to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers (birth to age 3). It provides the same types of services as Head Start but adapted for the youngest children.

Early Head Start programs may operate as center-based care, home visiting programs, or a combination. Home-based options send a trained visitor to your home weekly to work with you and your child on developmental activities.

Availability is more limited than Head Start. Not every community has an Early Head Start program. If yours does not, ask about local alternatives for infant and toddler support.

How to Apply

The application process varies by program but generally follows these steps:

1. Find a local program. Use the federal Head Start Locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator. You can also search for Head Start providers on DaycareCheck to see safety grades alongside program information.
2. Contact the program directly. Call or visit to ask about openings and the application timeline. Many programs have enrollment periods, but some accept applications year-round.
3. Gather your documents. You will typically need proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit letters), proof of your child's age (birth certificate), immunization records, and proof of address.
4. Complete the application. This is usually done in person or by mail. Some programs now accept online applications.
5. Wait for a decision. Programs prioritize families with the greatest need. If all slots are full, you will be placed on a waiting list. Priority is given to families below the poverty line, children with disabilities, and children experiencing homelessness.

Apply early. Many programs fill up months before the school year starts. Some have waiting lists of 100+ families.

Head Start Performance Standards

Unlike other childcare programs that follow state-by-state licensing rules, Head Start programs must meet federal Head Start Performance Standards. These set requirements for:

• Teacher qualifications (lead teachers must have at least an associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field)
• Class sizes (maximum 20 children for 4-year-olds, 17 for 3-year-olds)
• Staff-to-child ratios (1:10 for 4-year-olds, 1:8.5 for 3-year-olds)
• Curriculum requirements
• Health and safety standards
• Parent and family engagement
• Governance and financial management

The Office of Head Start monitors programs through regular reviews. Programs that fail to meet standards can be required to improve, have their funding reduced, or lose their grant entirely. This federal oversight operates alongside state licensing inspections.

On DaycareCheck, Head Start facilities that hold state licenses are included in our directory with their state inspection records and safety grades. This gives you both the federal Head Start review perspective and the state licensing perspective for the same facility.

Head Start vs Regular Daycare

How does Head Start compare to paying for childcare?

• Cost: Head Start is free. Daycare averages $1,000-$1,500/month.
• Hours: Many Head Start programs are part-day (3.5-6 hours). Most daycare centers offer full-day (10-11 hours). Some Head Start programs do offer full-day schedules, especially in areas with high demand.
• Ages: Head Start serves 3-5. Daycare serves infants through school-age.
• Services: Head Start provides health screenings, dental care, family support, and meals that most daycares do not include.
• Quality: Head Start programs must meet federal performance standards, which in many cases are stricter than state licensing minimums.

If you qualify for Head Start but need full-day care, check whether your local program offers extended hours. Some Head Start programs partner with other childcare providers to offer wrap-around care.

Finding Head Start Programs Near You

You have two options for finding a nearby program:

1. Federal Head Start Locator. Visit eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator to search by zip code. This shows all federally funded programs in your area.
2. Search on DaycareCheck. Look up childcare providers in your city or state and look for facilities flagged as Head Start providers. You will see their state inspection records and safety grades alongside the Head Start designation.

If your local Head Start program has a waiting list, do not stop looking. Apply to Head Start and keep exploring other options on DaycareCheck in the meantime. You can always switch to Head Start when a slot opens up.

Frequently Asked Questions