See details for your state

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Head Start Program

BenefitChildcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, and US territories

What you get

Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, health screening, nutrition, and family engagement services to children from birth to age five from low-income families at no cost. The program builds the social, emotional, and cognitive foundations children need to succeed in school and life. Enrollment prioritizes families with incomes at or below the federal poverty level.

Help paying for child care, meals, or services so parents and caregivers can work, study, or stabilize care.

Ask whether your provider needs to be approved before benefits can be paid.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Family income must be at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (some programs enroll up to 130%)
This program requires income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Child must be under 5 years old; Early Head Start serves ages 0-3 and pregnant women?
Children in foster care are automatically eligible regardless of income?
Children with disabilities may be enrolled up to the program's 10% disability enrollment threshold?
Is this available near you?
This program is delivered through local distribution sites. Enter your ZIP code to check availability near you.

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Head Start enrollment application submitted directly to a local Head Start program (not the federal government)
2Proof of household income: pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit award letters (SNAP, TANF, SSI)
3Child's birth certificate
4Child's health and immunization records (or plan to obtain them)
5Proof of address: utility bill, lease, or government mail showing current residence
6Documentation of any disabilities or special needs (if applicable, for disability enrollment priority)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the child care assistance office that handles Head Start Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

Head Start has served over 38 million children since it launched in 1965.

People helped

800,000 children

enrolled annually

Annual federal budget

$12 billion

Average benefit

Free full-day programs (valued at $8,000–$14,000/year per child)

Established

1965

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Education

CCAMPIS — Child Care Access Means Parents in School

Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

See details for your state

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Head Start Program

BenefitChildcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, and US territories

What you get

Help paying for child care, meals, or services so parents and caregivers can work, study, or stabilize care.

Ask whether your provider needs to be approved before benefits can be paid.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Family income must be at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (some programs enroll up to 130%)
This program requires income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Child must be under 5 years old; Early Head Start serves ages 0-3 and pregnant women?
Children in foster care are automatically eligible regardless of income?
Children with disabilities may be enrolled up to the program's 10% disability enrollment threshold?
Is this available near you?
This program is delivered through local distribution sites. Enter your ZIP code to check availability near you.

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Head Start enrollment application submitted directly to a local Head Start program (not the federal government)
2Proof of household income: pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit award letters (SNAP, TANF, SSI)
3Child's birth certificate
4Child's health and immunization records (or plan to obtain them)
5Proof of address: utility bill, lease, or government mail showing current residence
6Documentation of any disabilities or special needs (if applicable, for disability enrollment priority)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the child care assistance office that handles Head Start Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

Head Start has served over 38 million children since it launched in 1965.

People helped

800,000 children

enrolled annually

Annual federal budget

$12 billion

Average benefit

Free full-day programs (valued at $8,000–$14,000/year per child)

Established

1965

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Education

CCAMPIS — Child Care Access Means Parents in School

Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)