Early Head Start is a federal program that provides child care, education, and family support services to low-income families with children under age 3

Early Head Start is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and funded through local agencies in your community. Unlike Head Start, which serves children ages 3 to 5, Early Head Start focuses on infants and toddlers. The program combines center-based child care with home visits, parent coaching, and connections to health and nutrition services. You do not pay tuition if your family meets the income limits.

The program operates in most states but not everywhere, and the number of slots available varies widely by location. Some communities have waiting lists that can stretch months. The first step is finding out whether Early Head Start operates in your area and whether your household income falls within the program's limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Early Head Start serves children from birth to age 3 and is free to families who meet income requirements, which are typically around 100% to 130% of the federal poverty line.
  • The program provides child care, parent education, health screenings, nutrition support, and home visits — not just supervision while you work.
  • You can find your local Early Head Start program through your state's child care resource and referral agency or by calling 211.
  • Enrollment happens year-round at most programs, but slots fill quickly and some locations have waiting lists.
  • Your child does not need to be enrolled in school or have any prior experience to join; the program accepts children from infancy.

What Early Head Start actually covers

Early Head Start provides more than child care. The program includes classroom or home-based learning activities designed for infants and toddlers, regular health and developmental screenings, nutrition support (including meals and snacks at centers), and parent coaching focused on child development and family goals. Many programs also help connect families to health insurance, dental care, and mental health services.

The structure varies by location. Some programs operate full-day child care centers where your child attends regularly. Others use a home-visiting model where a teacher visits your home weekly to work with your child and coach you on development. Many programs combine both approaches. You work with your local program to choose the model that fits your family's needs.

Parent involvement is built into the program. You are expected to participate in parent meetings, share information about your child's development, and work with staff on family goals — which might include job training, completing your GED, or addressing housing or health issues. This is not optional; it is part of how the program works.

Income limits and who can enroll

Early Head Start prioritizes families with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty line. In 2024, that means a household of three earning roughly $23,000 per year or less. Some programs can serve families up to 130% of the poverty line if they have funding available. Your state's child care resource and referral agency can tell you the exact limit for your area, since it can vary.

You must provide proof of income when you enroll — typically recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you receive TANF, SNAP, or SSI, that documentation counts as proof of income may be able to access. The program also prioritizes children with disabilities, children in foster care, and families experiencing homelessness, even if income is slightly above the limit.

Your child must be under age 3 to enroll. There is no requirement that you work, attend school, or have any other status — the program is open to any family that meets the income requirement. If your child turns 3 during the school year, most programs allow them to finish the year before transitioning to Head Start or another program.

How to find and enroll in your local program

Start by contacting your state's child care resource and referral agency. You can find it through the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies website or by calling 211 and asking for Early Head Start. The 211 service is free and available in all 50 states; they can tell you which programs operate near you and whether they are currently taking new families.

Once you identify a program, contact them directly to ask about current openings and the enrollment process. Some programs enroll year-round; others have set enrollment periods. You will need to bring proof of income, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your child's birth certificate. Many programs also require a health screening or immunization records before your child starts.

If your local program has a waiting list, ask to be added. Some programs prioritize based on income level, family circumstances, or the date you applied. Ask the program directly how they prioritize and when they expect the next opening. In the meantime, you can explore other child care options or ask whether the program offers any services while you wait.

What happens during the enrollment process

After you submit your enrollment paperwork, the program will verify your income and residency. This usually takes one to two weeks. They will also schedule an intake meeting where you discuss your family's needs, your child's development, and any concerns you have. This is when you and the program staff agree on family goals — things you want to work toward during your time in the program.

Your child will have a health screening and developmental assessment before or shortly after starting. This is not a test; it is a way for staff to understand your child's strengths and any areas where they might need extra support. If the assessment shows your child may have a developmental delay, the program will refer you to your state's early intervention service for further evaluation.

Once enrolled, your child can start attending when ready or on the next available start date. You will receive a schedule, information about what to bring, and details about parent involvement expectations. Most programs ask parents to attend at least one meeting per month and to participate in home visits or classroom activities.

Costs and what you pay

There is no tuition for Early Head Start if your family meets the income requirement. The program is federally funded, and families do not pay for child care, education, meals, or health screenings. You do not pay registration fees, activity fees, or supply fees.

Some programs may ask families to contribute to field trips or special events, but this is voluntary and programs cannot exclude your child if you cannot pay. If your family's income increases while you are enrolled, the program will let you know whether you remain may be able to access. Most programs allow a grace period before you would need to leave.

Transitioning out of Early Head Start

When your child turns 3, they age out of Early Head Start. Many communities have Head Start programs for ages 3 to 5, and your Early Head Start program can help you transition your child to Head Start if it is available in your area. The transition usually happens in the spring before your child turns 3, so there is time to plan.

If Head Start is not available or you prefer a different option, your program can connect you to other child care resources, including child care subsidies through your state, community child care centers, or family child care providers. Staff will help you understand your options and support the transition so it is as smooth as possible for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to work to enroll my child in Early Head Start?

No. Early Head Start is open to any family that meets the income requirement, regardless of employment status. You do not need to be working, in school, or looking for work. The program is designed for low-income families, and work status does not affect your child's enrollment.

What if my child has a disability or developmental delay?

Early Head Start prioritizes children with disabilities and developmental delays. If your child has been diagnosed with a disability or you have concerns about development, mention this during enrollment. The program will conduct a developmental screening and can refer you to early intervention services if needed. Your child can receive special education services while enrolled in Early Head Start.

Can I choose between center-based and home-visiting services?

That depends on your local program. Some programs offer both options and let families choose; others offer only one model. Ask your local program what options are available. If you prefer home visits but your program only offers center-based care, ask whether they can refer you to another program that offers home visiting.

What happens if my income increases while my child is enrolled?

Most programs allow a grace period — usually 90 days — before your family would need to leave the program if income rises above the limit. During that time, you can work with staff to plan your transition to another child care option. Some programs may be able to keep your child enrolled if funding allows, so ask your program about their specific policy.

Is there a waiting list, and how long does it usually take to get in?

Many programs have waiting lists, but the length varies by location and time of year. Some areas have openings year-round; others have long waits. Call your local program or 211 to ask about current wait times. If there is a list, ask how they prioritize — some programs give priority to families with the lowest income or children with disabilities.