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A Head Start waiting list does not necessarily mean your child was denied. It usually means the program has more eligible applicants than funded enrollment spaces.
Head Start programs have a fixed number of slots and must use selection procedures to decide which eligible children and families receive available spaces first.
Demand can be higher than the number of federally funded spaces available. A program may receive applications from many families who qualify but have funding, classrooms, and staff for only a certain number of children.
A child may be eligible and placed on a waiting list without receiving an immediate enrollment offer.
Head Start programs establish selection criteria that consider family and community needs. Factors may include:
Programs are expected to prioritize children with the greatest need.
Not necessarily. Because Head Start must prioritize based on selection criteria, the first family to apply is not always the first family offered a space.
There is no single national waiting time. It depends on the number of applicants, funded slots, children's ages, classroom availability, priority, turnover, and time of year.
Federal enrollment rules require programs to fill vacancies promptly. Programs generally work from their waiting list and selection priorities to identify the next child to enroll.
Keep your phone number, email, and address current.
Yes, especially when important information changes, such as a new address, new phone number, change in income, new public assistance, homelessness, foster placement, disability diagnosis, or other major family circumstances.
Possibly. If multiple programs serve your area, ask whether you may apply elsewhere. Programs can have different service areas, schedules, openings, and transportation options.
Usually yes, unless the Head Start program tells you otherwise or you no longer want the space. Ask the program whether another care arrangement affects your waiting-list status.
If your child approaches age 3, ask about transition options and whether you need to apply for Head Start Preschool. Do not assume an Early Head Start waiting-list position automatically transfers.
Programs need accurate and current records. Ask how the program contacts families, whether you need to confirm interest periodically, and what happens if staff cannot reach you.
No. Many eligible children are placed on waiting lists because programs have limited funded slots.
Not necessarily. Programs use selection criteria to prioritize children and families with greater need.
Ask the program. Contact them whenever important information changes, but frequent calls do not necessarily change selection priority.
That depends on the programs and service areas. Ask each program directly.
Contact the program as soon as possible. There is no guarantee the slot will still be available.