Child Care Resources Series: Head Start

2. Head Start

What is it?

• provides medical care, dental care, and healthy meals to children between the ages of 3 and 5*
• provides comprehensive supportive services to their families
• prepares young children for school both socially and academically

Do I qualify?

• Children of households already receiving TANF or SSI, or those in foster care, are eligible automatically
• Otherwise, families are deemed eligible based on income:

• Does your child have special needs? 10% of Head Start spots are reserved for children with special needs.
  

How do I apply?

• Call your local Head Start program; Use this map to locate your county Head Start program, or find it in the county Help Chart
• Or call the Head Start Toll Free information number: 1-866-763-6481

*Early Head Start provides these services for children between the ages of 0 and 2, as well as pregnant women. Early Head Start programs can be reached through regular Head Start locations.