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Head Start does not use one national enrollment application for every family. You apply directly through a local Head Start or Early Head Start program.
The basic process is:
The exact forms and timeline vary by program.
For infants, toddlers younger than age 3, and expectant families in programs that offer pregnancy services.
Primarily for children age 3 through school entry.
If your child is close to an age cutoff, ask the local program which service is appropriate.
Once you find a program, tell staff your child's age, where you live, and that you want to apply.
Ask:
The documents needed depend on how your family qualifies. You may be asked for information related to your child's age, household income, family size, public assistance, foster care, homelessness, or pregnancy for applicable Early Head Start services.
Do not assume you need every document before making first contact. If you are missing paperwork, tell the program and ask what alternatives are acceptable.
Programs use their own application procedures. You may complete an online form, paper form, in-person application, or phone intake followed by document submission.
Answer questions as accurately as possible and update the program if your situation changes.
Eligibility can be based on income at or below the federal poverty guideline, TANF, SSI, SNAP, foster care, homelessness, or other permitted provisions. Age requirements also apply.
Being eligible does not automatically mean there is a space available. If more eligible children apply than the program can serve, the program uses selection criteria to prioritize enrollment.
If the program has no immediate opening, ask:
Keep your contact information current.
Do not wait until the first day you need care. Many programs recruit before a new school year begins, but vacancies can occur throughout the year.
If several Head Start programs serve your area, ask whether you may apply to more than one. Programs can have different schedules, locations, age groups, transportation options, openings, and waiting lists.
Contact the program. A move can affect service area, transportation, program location, and contact information.
Apply anyway. Families experiencing homelessness may qualify categorically. Explain your current living situation.
Ask the local program about language assistance. Head Start serves families from many linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The program may ask for enrollment forms, health information, emergency contacts, classroom orientation, transportation information, and additional records.
No. Applications are handled by local programs.
Some programs offer online applications, while others use phone, paper, or in-person processes.
Head Start services are free to enrolled families. If someone asks for a fee simply to apply for Head Start, verify that request with the official local program.
Ask to be placed on the waiting list and consider contacting other programs that serve your area.
There is no single national processing timeline. It depends on the local program, application completeness, verification, openings, and selection process.