HHS · Education · Federal

Head Start / Early Head Start

Free early childhood education, health & nutrition for low-income kids ages 0-5.

Head Start promotes school readiness through education, health, social, and other services. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

Full-day preschool + health services

Who qualifies

Families at or below the federal poverty level with children under 5.

Documents you'll need

How to apply

Official source: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator · Estimated time: 30 min · Recertify every 12 months.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-20. UnifiedAid is an independent service and is not a government agency. Applications and approval decisions are made only by the official agency.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for Head Start / Early Head Start?
Families at or below the federal poverty level with children under 5.
How much does Head Start / Early Head Start pay?
Typical benefit: Full-day preschool + health services.
What documents do I need to apply?
Child's birth certificate, Immunization records, Proof of income, Photo ID.
How long does the application take?
Most people complete the application in about 30 minutes. Processing time varies by state but is typically 30 days or less.

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