How do I register my child?

Contact the Head Start or Early Head Start agency serving your community. Your local Head Start agency will provide the required forms and answer questions about the program. The local agency will also help you find the Head Start Center closest to your home.

Find the Head Start program in your area

Eligibility requirements to qualify for Head Start

Eligibility for Head Start services is primarily based on:

Other factors taken into consideration include:

Parental status: emancipated minor, one or two parent household, foster care, or non-biological custodian

Various social conditions that could include, but are not limited to: terminal illness or death in the family, abuse, substance abuse, other siblings attending Head Start programs, referrals from other agencies, mental health of the parent, homelessness, education of parent, non-English speaking family, etc.

Expectant mothers should apply for Head Start assistance as soon as possible to limit the time their children are on a waiting list. The criteria for eligibility can vary with each Head Start program. Contact your program with specific eligibility questions.