Frequently Asked Questions About Head Start

Is My Child Eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start?
How Do I Find a Head Start Program Near Me?
Are Children in Foster Care Eligible for Head Start?
Does Head Start Accept Children with Disabilities or Special Needs?
What If My Income Level Is Higher Than the Poverty Guidelines?
What Are the Other Options If My Child Is Ineligible for Head Start?
How Can I Get Involved with Head Start?

Is My Child Eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start?

Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.

Children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.

How Do I Find a Head Start Program Near Me?

If you need help to find a Head Start program in your area, call Head Start Knowledge and Information Management Services toll-free at:1-866-763-6481, or you may use the on-line national Head Start Program Locator Tool at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices.

Are Children in Foster Care Eligible for Head Start?

Children in foster care are Head Start eligible, regardless of family income.

Does Head Start Accept Children with Disabilities or Special Needs?

Ten percent of enrollments are offered to children with disabilities.

What If My Income Level Is Higher Than the Poverty Guidelines?

Children who come from families with slightly higher income may be able to participate in Head Start when space is available. Your local program can discuss this with you.

What Are the Other Options If My Child Is Ineligible For Head Start?

If you are ineligible for Head Start, the Child Care Aware program can help you in locating other childcare services in your community. To find the local child care resource and referral agency, please contact: Child Care Aware Toll-free: 800-424-2246 Web-site: http://www.childcareaware.org/

How Can I Get Involved with Head Start?

Head Start welcomes volunteers. By becoming a volunteer you can help in the classroom and on field trips, assist in renovating centers, and support parent education. Your volunteer experience may later qualify you for training which can help you find employment in the child care field. For information about volunteering please contact your local Head Start program. To locate a program near you visit the on-line national Head Start Program Locator Tool at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices