Introduction to Program

Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood development program serving low-income children ages three to five and their families.

Eligibility Requirements

Head Start programs recruit, select and enroll children who are three to five-years-old from a low-income household, including children with disabilities. A family is categorically eligible for Head Start if the child is homeless or in foster care. Ten percent of enrollment consists of children with disabilities.

Low income is defined as a family income which is equal to or below the federal poverty line. The federal poverty guidelines are updated annually and are available at: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines. Some families whose income exceeds the federal poverty guidelines may still be eligible for Head Start.