Head Start is a federally funded early-childhood program designed to support children's learning, development, health, and family well-being. Early Head Start generally serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, while Head Start Preschool serves preschool-age children.¹²

It is more than a preschool classroom. Depending on the local program, families may also receive help with health screenings, referrals, nutrition, parent engagement, developmental support, and connections to community services.

Who qualifies based on income?

Families at or below the federal poverty guideline may qualify. Local programs verify eligibility and may have limited ability to enroll some children above the poverty guideline under federal rules.¹³

Because guidelines and family circumstances change, the local Head Start program should make the actual eligibility determination.

Who can qualify regardless of income?

Head Start identifies several categories of children and families who are eligible without using the normal income test. These include children in foster care, children experiencing homelessness, and families receiving or eligible for certain forms of public assistance such as TANF, SSI, or SNAP.¹²³

For a child in foster care, the foster family's income is not what determines eligibility.¹

Does eligibility guarantee a spot?

No. A child can be eligible and still be placed on a waiting list because programs have funded enrollment limits. Head Start programs use selection criteria to prioritize among eligible applicants.⁴

If there is no current opening, ask to remain on the waiting list and ask whether another nearby center has space.

What if my child has a disability?

Head Start programs serve children with disabilities, and federal rules require programs to make a portion of enrollment available to children eligible for services under IDEA.¹

A child does not have to wait for kindergarten to receive developmental support. If you have concerns about speech, development, behavior, hearing, vision, or learning, tell the program and ask what screening or referral process is available.

What services can Head Start include?

• Early learning and school-readiness activities
• Developmental and behavioral screening
• Health and dental connections
• Nutrition services
• Family-goal and resource support
• Parent engagement
• Disability and inclusion supports
• Transitions into kindergarten or other educational settings

The Head Start Program Performance Standards describe broad requirements for high-quality early education, child development, health, family engagement, and program operations.⁵

Are the Head Start rules changing?

In August 2026, the federal government proposed a broad rewrite of the Head Start Program Performance Standards. The proposal emphasizes more state and local flexibility and would change a number of regulatory requirements.⁶

A proposed rule is not the same as a final rule. Families should rely on the current Head Start rules and their local program until any final changes take effect.

How do I apply?

1. Use the Head Start Center Locator or contact a local program.
2. Ask what documents are needed for the category under which your family may qualify.
3. Complete the local application and eligibility interview.
4. If there is no space, ask about the waiting list and nearby programs.
5. Tell the program about foster-care status, homelessness, public assistance, disability, or urgent family needs so the correct eligibility and priority rules can be considered.

What if my family is experiencing homelessness?

A family experiencing homelessness does not have to prove income in the same way as an income-eligible applicant. Head Start regulations allow specific methods to verify homelessness and recognize that families may not have ordinary documentation.³

If housing is unstable, tell the program directly rather than assuming you cannot apply because you lack paperwork.

The bottom line

Head Start is a free early-childhood and family-support program, and eligibility is broader than many parents realize. Children in foster care, children experiencing homelessness, and families receiving certain public benefits may qualify regardless of income. Apply through the local program even if you are unsure—you do not have to determine eligibility by yourself.