What Head Start Is and Who Runs It
Head Start is a federal program that provides preschool education, meals, health screenings, and family support services to low-income children ages three to five. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, but the actual classrooms and services are operated by local nonprofits, school districts, and community organizations in your area.
Head Start has been operating since 1965. It is not a voucher you take to any preschool — it is a specific program with its own classrooms, teachers, and curriculum. Some communities also run Early Head Start, which serves children from birth to age three and pregnant women. The two programs work the same way in terms of how you find them and what they offer, but Early Head Start focuses on younger children and may include home visits instead of classroom time.
Head Start is free. There are no tuition charges, no process fees, and no hidden costs to families. The program is funded by federal appropriations, and local programs use that money to pay teachers, buy materials, and provide services.
Key Takeaways
- Head Start is a free preschool program for children ages three to five from low-income families, run by local organizations in your community, not by a federal office.
- You find your local Head Start program by contacting your city or county social services office, or by searching the Head Start locator on the federal website.
- Income limits vary by location and family size, but most programs serve families at or below 100 to 130 percent of the federal poverty line.
- Head Start includes preschool classes, meals and snacks, health and dental screenings, and support services for parents, not just childcare.
- Many programs have waiting lists, especially in urban areas, so you should contact them as early as possible even if your child will not start for several months.
How to Find Your Local Head Start Program
Head Start programs are not centralized. You cannot call one national office and enroll. Instead, you need to find the program that serves your specific area. The fastest way is to use the Head Start locator tool on the federal government's website (acf.hhs.gov), which lets you search by zip code and shows you the programs near you, their phone numbers, and their contact information.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, contact your city or county social services office or your local school district. They can tell you which Head Start program operates in your area and how to reach them. Some communities have only one program; others have several run by different organizations.
Once you have the program's contact information, call them directly. They will tell you whether they have openings, what the enrollment process looks like, what documents you need to bring, and when they accept new children. Many programs enroll on a rolling basis (as spots open), while others have set enrollment periods once or twice a year.
Income Limits and What You Need to Bring
Head Start serves families whose income is at or below a certain threshold. That threshold varies by location and family size, but most programs use 100 to 130 percent of the federal poverty line as their cutoff. For a family of four in 2024, that means a household income of roughly $28,000 to $36,000 per year, though your local program will have the exact number for your area and family size.
When you contact the program, ask them for their current income limit. They will also tell you what documents to bring to prove your income. Typically, this means recent pay stubs, a tax return, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or receive benefits, bring documentation of that income as well.
You will also need to bring your child's birth certificate, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of any health insurance your child has. Some programs ask for immunization records. The program staff will tell you the complete list when you call.
What Head Start Provides Beyond Classroom Time
Head Start is more than preschool. The program includes meals and snacks, health and dental screenings, mental health services, and support for parents. Most programs serve breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day, which means your child gets two meals and a snack at no cost.
Every child in Head Start receives a health screening, including vision and hearing tests, and a dental screening. If the screening finds a problem, the program helps you find a doctor or dentist to follow up. Some programs have a nurse or health coordinator on staff who can answer questions about your child's health.
Head Start also offers parent involvement activities. This might mean workshops on child development, parenting skills, or financial literacy. Some programs ask parents to volunteer in the classroom or serve on a parent committee. These are not requirements, but the program encourages participation because research shows that parent involvement improves outcomes for children.
Waiting Lists and Enrollment Timing
Many Head Start programs have more families interested than they have classroom space. When this happens, the program maintains a waiting list. Families on the waiting list are called as spots open, which might be weeks or months away. Some programs prioritize families with the lowest income, families with children who have disabilities, or families experiencing homelessness.
Because waiting lists are common, especially in cities and suburbs, you should contact your local program as soon as you know you are interested — even if your child will not be old enough to start for several months. Getting on the list early increases your chances of a spot when your child reaches the right age.
Programs typically run on a school-year schedule, meaning they operate during the same months as public schools (roughly September through May). Some programs offer summer sessions as well. Ask your local program about their schedule when you call.
How Head Start Differs From Other Preschool Options
Head Start is different from a private preschool or daycare center in several ways. Head Start is free, whereas private preschools charge tuition. Head Start is designed specifically for low-income families and includes support services like health screenings and parent workshops. Private preschools do not have these requirements and do not target low-income families.
Head Start is also different from a childcare subsidy or voucher program. With a subsidy, you choose a childcare provider and the government pays part of the cost. With Head Start, you enroll in a specific program that the government runs or funds directly. Head Start programs are typically part-time (mornings or afternoons, not full days), whereas childcare is often full-time. Some families use Head Start for preschool and a separate childcare program for the rest of the day.
If your child has a disability, Head Start is required to serve them. The program must make accommodations and provide special education services if needed. This is different from many private preschools, which may not have the resources or training to serve children with disabilities.
What Happens After Head Start
Head Start ends when your child enters kindergarten. The program is designed to prepare children for school, and most children transition to public school kindergarten at age five or six. Head Start staff can help you understand the kindergarten enrollment process in your school district and answer questions about what to expect.
Some children who attended Head Start may be found to need special education services. If that is the case, your school district is required to continue those services in kindergarten. Head Start staff can help connect you with your school district's special education office if this applies to your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child have to be a U.S. citizen to attend Head Start?
No. Head Start serves children regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You do not need to provide proof of citizenship. However, you will need to provide proof of your child's identity and age, which typically means a birth certificate. If you have questions about what documents are acceptable, ask your local program directly.
What if my income is above the limit but I still need help with childcare?
Head Start has strict income limits, so if your family income is above the threshold, you would not be able to enroll. However, your state or county may run other preschool programs or childcare subsidy programs with higher income limits. Contact your local social services office to ask about other options.
Can I use Head Start if I work full-time?
Head Start programs are typically part-time, running for a few hours in the morning or afternoon. If you work full-time, you may need to combine Head Start with another childcare arrangement for the rest of the day. Some programs offer extended hours or full-day options, so ask your local program what schedules they offer.
What if there is no Head Start program in my area?
Not every community has a Head Start program. If your area does not, ask your local social services office about other preschool or early childhood programs that may be available. Some states run their own pre-K programs, and some communities have other nonprofit preschools that serve low-income families.
Do I have to stay involved in the program after my child enrolls?
Head Start encourages parent involvement, but it is not a requirement for your child to attend. You can participate in parent workshops, volunteer in the classroom, or serve on a parent committee if you want to. The program will not turn your child away if you cannot participate, though staff may reach out to encourage involvement.