Often costs for state and locally funded public preschools operate on a sliding scale, based on income, and some are free for all children. Head Start is the only federally funded public preschool program in the U.S. The program is free and serves low-income families who meet eligibility requirements. Currently, the government is working to expand access to free preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds.
State funded programs are also available in some areas. The costs of these programs vary greatly. Public preschool may also be funded at the city level and like state funded preschool, availability and cost also vary.