Skip to main content


U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government
              Here’s how you know
        Here’s how you knowDot gov**Official websites use .gov**
                 A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
                  HTTPS**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                 A **lock** (A locked padlock) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
  Menu Close
          Enter the terms you wish to search for.
    Search
        








  
  
    

  
      

                                      About HHS
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Programs & Services
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Grants & Contracts
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Laws & Regulations Breadcrumb
    Home
                              Answers
                              Programs for Families and Children
                              How can I get my child into Head Start?
 Navigate to:
  Coronavirus
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Grants
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Health Insurance Reform
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      HHS Administrative
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      HIPAA
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Medicare and Medicaid
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Programs for Families and Children
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Public Health and SafetyText resize icon

                    




How can I get my child into Head Start?








  
  
    

  
      



How to Apply

To apply for Head Start and Early Head Start, you can contact the program closest to where you live. Your local program will provide the required forms and answer your questions. They will also tell you what documents you should bring with you to apply.

To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you:

Use the Head Start Center Locator
	Call 1-866-763-6481 (toll-free) from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday
	Email: headstart@eclkc.infoMore about how to apply for Head Start.

Is my family eligible for Head Start?

Head Start and Early Head Start services are available to pregnant women and children ages 0-5 and their families.

The local program staff in your area will tell you if you qualify. Your family may qualify for Head Start or Early Head Start services if your family's income is at or below the federal poverty level.

Programs may enroll some children from families whose incomes are higher than the federal poverty level if they meet other requirements. Other circumstances that may qualify your child for services:

You are experiencing homelessness.
	You have children in foster care.
	You are receiving TANF or SSI.The local program in your community will have more information and guidance.
Posted in:
  Programs for Families and ChildrenSearch HHS FAQs by questions or keywords:
    

      Enter the terms you wish to search for.
    Search

                    
  


Content created by Digital Communications Division (DCD) Content last reviewed May 10, 2023 Back to top
    Contact HHS
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Careers
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      HHS FAQs
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Nondiscrimination NoticeHHS Archive
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Accessibility Statement
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Privacy Policy
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Viewers & PlayersBudget/Performance
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Inspector General
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Web Site Disclaimers
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      EEO/No Fear ActFOIA
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      The White House
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      USA.gov
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
        Sign Up for Email Updates

Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and News Releases.

Sign Up
  HHS Headquarters
          200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
                  Washington, D.C. 20201
                  Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775​