Head Start Program Guide: Free Childcare & How to Apply (2026)
Head Start is a federally funded program providing free preschool, early education, and family support services to low-income families. Over 1 million children are enrolled nationwide — here's how to determine eligibility and apply.
What Is Head Start?
Head Start is a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. The program is completely free for eligible families.
Head Start vs. Early Head Start
| Program | Ages Served | Schedule | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Head Start | Birth–3 years | Full-year or home-based | Childcare, home visits, prenatal support |
| Head Start | 3–5 years | School-year or full-year | Preschool, meals, health screenings |
| Migrant & Seasonal | Birth–5 years | Varies by harvest season | Adapted for farmworker families |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | Birth–5 years | Varies | Culturally responsive services |
Eligibility Requirements
Your family may qualify for Head Start if you meet any of these criteria:
Income eligibility
| Family Size | 100% FPL (2026) | 130% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $20,440 | $26,572 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $33,566 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $40,560 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $47,554 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $54,548 |
Automatic eligibility (regardless of income)
- Children experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento Act)
- Children in foster care
- Families receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Families receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Additional enrollment categories
- Up to 10% of slots may go to families above income limits (over-income)
- At least 10% of slots reserved for children with disabilities
- Some programs accept families up to 130% FPL
What's Included (at No Cost)
Head Start is far more than just childcare. The program provides:
- Early education — Structured preschool curriculum focused on school readiness (literacy, math, social-emotional development)
- Meals and snacks — Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided daily at no cost
- Health screenings — Vision, hearing, dental, and developmental screenings
- Mental health services — Social-emotional support and behavioral health consultation
- Disability services — Individualized support for children with special needs, including IEP coordination
- Family support — Help with housing, job training, education, and community resources
- Parent involvement — Training, volunteering opportunities, and leadership roles in program governance
- Transportation — Many programs provide bus service (varies by location)
How to Apply for Head Start
- Find local programs. Use the Head Start Locator (eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov) or call 1-866-763-6481 to find programs in your area. You can also search "[your city] Head Start" online.
- Contact programs directly. Call or visit to ask about availability, hours, and application deadlines. Each program sets its own enrollment periods.
- Gather required documents:
- Proof of income (tax return, pay stubs, benefits letter, or self-declaration)
- Child's birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Proof of address
- Health insurance information (if applicable)
- Submit application. Complete the program's application form (paper or online, depending on the program).
- Attend family interview. Programs conduct an in-person or virtual interview to assess family needs and confirm eligibility.
- Wait for selection. If spots are full, you'll be placed on a waitlist ranked by need (homeless families, foster children, and lowest incomes prioritized).
Timeline tip: Many programs fill up by March–April for fall enrollment. Apply as early as January for the best chance of a spot.
Head Start Schedule & Hours
Program schedules vary significantly by location:
- Part-day programs — 3.5 hours/day, 4–5 days/week (school year only)
- Full-day programs — 6–8 hours/day, more common in recent years
- Full-year programs — Operate year-round (not just school year)
- Home-based option — Weekly home visits plus group socialization sessions (Early Head Start)
Important: Many Head Start programs are part-day only, which may not cover full working hours. Parents often combine Head Start with before/after care or family help.
Head Start vs. Other Free/Low-Cost Options
| Program | Ages | Income Limit | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Start | 3–5 | 100% FPL | Part-day or full-day |
| State Pre-K | 4 (some 3) | Varies by state | Usually school-day |
| CCDF Subsidy | 0–13 | ~85% SMI | Full-time eligible |
| Public school Pre-K | 4–5 | Often universal | School hours |
See our childcare subsidies guide for a full breakdown of state-by-state assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Head Start?
The primary income eligibility threshold for Head Start is 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026, that's approximately $31,200 for a family of four. However, programs can also enroll children who are homeless, in foster care, receiving TANF or SSI, or from families up to 130% FPL. Up to 10% of enrollment slots can go to families above the income limit.
What ages does Head Start serve?
Head Start serves children ages 3–5 (until kindergarten entry). Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to age 3. Together, these programs cover the full range from prenatal through preschool age. Most Head Start programs operate during the school year (September–May), though some offer full-year, full-day services.
How do I apply for Head Start?
To apply for Head Start: (1) Find local programs using the Head Start Locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov or call 1-866-763-6481; (2) Contact programs directly to request an application; (3) Submit required documents including proof of income, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of address; (4) Complete a family interview. Applications are accepted year-round, but many programs fill up by spring for fall enrollment. Apply early — waitlists are common in high-demand areas.
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