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Head Start Name and Logo

The appropriate use of the Head Start name and logo maintains high public trust in the Head Start program. Authorized users must follow the instructions below if they intend to use the Head Start name or logo. The names "Head Start" and "Early Head Start" and their distinctive logos are protected by trademark.

Background

The name "Head Start" was officially registered by the United States Patents and Trademarks Office (USPTO) on Feb. 25, 1986, and was provided U.S. Trademark Registration Certificate No. 1,384,264. On March 11, 1986, the Head Start logo was registered officially and provided U.S. Trademark Certificate No. 1,385,972.

The registration was renewed. The Head Start logo trademark (Reg. No. 1,385,972) and the Head Start name (Reg. No. 1,384,264) are due for renewal in spring of 2025.

The name "Early Head Start" was officially registered by the USPTO on March 24, 2020, and was provided U.S. Trademark Registration No. 6,018,992.

Conditions of Use

Style and Format

  • The Head Start name and logo is to be used in substantially the same format and color as it appears on the Head Start registered trademark found on the Office of Head Start’s official website.
  • The official and only allowed colors of the logo are red, blue, and black. In print, the logo may appear in black and white or gray scale.
  • The logo should not be superimposed with other logos. The logo should not be rotated, stretched, skewed, or distorted. The logo should not have a texture overlay or be less than 100% in opacity.
  • Do not combine the Head Start logo with that of any program, service, licensee, or third party product to create a composite logo.
  • The Head Start name must always be presented with first letter of each word in capital (uppercase) letters.
  • In most instances, the Head Start name and the Head Start logo should be used together.

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Head Start trademarked logo.
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Registered Trademark

The registration trademark symbol, ®, must appear by the name and the logo at least once in every situation in which it is used. Generally, it is not necessary to show every occurrence of a mark in an advertisement or other promotional material but, at a minimum, this identification should occur at least once in each piece of printed matter, either the first time the logo is used or with the most prominent use of the logo on the page.

Every product that includes the Head Start name and/or logo should include an attribution statement crediting ownership of the mark to HHS: "Head Start® and Early Head Start® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)." Typically, the attribution statement is displayed at the end of the material, in the footer of the document, or on the back of the package.

It is not necessary for grant recipients and delegate agencies to discard their current inventory of material. However, grant recipients must adhere to these guidelines when materials are reprinted.

Authorized Users

Head Start grant recipients, delegate agencies, and organizations that receive Head Start contracts, as well as nonprofit organizations which represent Head Start programs, such as State or National Head Start Associations, may use the Head Start name and logo on items they produce for distribution. Except for commercial use, prior approval of the use of the Head Start name and logo is not required by authorized users.

Use of Head Start Name or Logo on Items for Manufacture, Sale, or Distribution

The Head Start name and logo may not be used for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of the Office of Head Start.

Requests from authorized users to manufacture, sell, or distribute items bearing the Head Start name or logo for commercial purposes must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the anticipated date of the sale or distribution. Approved requests will be effective for a period not to exceed three years and only for those items for which such written approval was granted. Requests for approval should be sent to:

Office of Head Start
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
330 C St., SW, Suite 4300
Washington, DC 20201

Early Head Start (EHS) Name and Logo

The terms of use for the EHS name are the same as described above regarding the Head Start name.

Unlike the Head Start logo, the EHS logo is only authorized for use by the HHS Administration for Children and Families. No other users are authorized, either for non-commercial or commercial uses. The EHS logo trademark (Reg. No. 6,018,992.) was registered officially on March 24, 2020.

The EHS logo consists of a building block design element and the stylized wording "Early Head Start." The bottom block shows a rocking horse design in the color white on a blue background. The middle block shows a red and white stripe color design. The top block shows an arrow pointing up in white on a blue background.

Reporting Unauthorized Use

Unless otherwise approved, all unauthorized individuals, organizations, and commercial firms must discontinue manufacturing, selling, or distributing materials bearing either the Head Start or Early Head Start names or logos on them effective immediately. Unauthorized use of the Head Start or Early Head Start names or logos should be reported immediately so appropriate legal action can be taken. Reports of unauthorized use should be sent to:

Office of Head Start
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
330 C St., SW, Suite 4300
Washington, DC 20201

For questions or additional information about the Head Start logo, contact HeadStart@eclkc.info or (toll-free) 866-763-6481, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET.

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