Head Start/Early Head Start

HeadStart, Head Start, School, Early Head Start

Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. The Head Start program supports children's growth in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, which include:

• Early learning and development: Children's readiness for school and beyond is fostered through individualized learning experiences. Through relationships with adults, play, and planned and spontaneous instruction, children grow in many aspects of development. These include social skills, emotional well-being, language and literacy skills, mathematics, and science concepts. Parents, including grandparents, foster parents, and other primary caregivers, are recognized as children’s first and most influential teachers. Their knowledge of their children is central to each child’s individualized approach. Additionally, Head Start programs work with families, school districts and other entities to facilitate a smooth transition to kindergarten for each child.
• Health: Head Start programs provide safe and healthy learning experiences indoors and outdoors, and all children receive health screenings and nutritious meals during their time in Head Start. The program also connects families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure children are receiving the care and attention they need. Families also receive mental health consultation focused on each child's needs.
• Family well-being: Parents and families are offered program services to support family well-being and to achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families in the learning and development of their child.

Head Start programs are available at no cost to children of up to 5 years old from low-income families. Families and children experiencing homelessness, and children in the foster care system are also eligible. Additionally, Head Start services are available to children with disabilities and other special needs. 

Infants, toddlers, and pregnant women are served through the Early Head Start (EHS) program. The Early Head Start program is available to the family until the child turns 3 years old and is ready to transition into Head Start or another pre-K program. Services to pregnant mothers and families, including prenatal support and follow-up, are also provided by Early Head Start. Many Early Head Start programs are provided in a child’s own home through weekly home visits that support the child’s development and family’s own goals.

Click here to apply for the Head Start/Early Head Start program online.