Introduction to Program

Early Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood program serving low-income children from birth to age three and pregnant women. Its mission is:

• To promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women
• To enhance the development of very young children
• To promote healthy family functioning

Eligibility Requirements

Early Head Start programs recruit, select and enroll children who are less than three years old from a low-income household, including children with disabilities. A family is categorically eligible for Early 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 Early Head Start.