How to Enroll in a Head Start Program

This article is for parents who would like to enroll their child in a Head Start Program. If you’re a child care providers who would like to start your own Head Start program click here.

Child care costs are no joke. If you need financial assistance with child care, you’re not alone. The Head Start program helps millions of low-income families pay for child care. It also provides great resources for other social services, including those around dental, medical and mental health. At Mom Trusted, we want to lessen the financial burden of child care for you in any way that we can. That’s why we suggest low-income families consider applying for a Head Start program. Here’s what you need to know:

Head Start programs’ main focuses:
Some of the main areas Head Start programs addresses include:
• First and foremost is education. Staff members work to teach both literary and number skills to all of the children involved in their program.
• Health is an important aspect of the programs’ plans. Health includes medical, dental and mental health. Every child will meet with a health care professional within 45 days of starting the program.
• All Head Start programs embrace diversity and are multilingual.
• The programs work to enforce a strong parent-child relationship, encouraging parents to pursue careers and become active leaders within their communities.

Eligibility:
Pregnant women and families with children five and under are welcome to apply for the program. After age five, when children can enter the public school system, they are no longer eligible for Head Start. Families interested in enrolling their children must also fit specific financial guidelines, usually making an annual income at or below the poverty line.

Financial guidelines:
Most Head Start programs use the country’s poverty line to determine eligibility. For all states, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii, this means:
• A family of 1 must make less than $11,490 per year to qualify.
• A family of 2 must make less than $15,510 per year to qualify.
• A family of 3 must make less than $19,530 per year to qualify.
• A family of 4 must make less than $23,550 per year to qualify.
• A family of 5 must make less than $27,570 per year to qualify.
• A family of 6 must make less than $31,590 per year to qualify.
• A family of 7 must make less than $35,610 per year to qualify.
• A family of 8 must make less than $39,630 per year to qualify.

To get Head Start enrollment started:
To get started in the enrollment process, find the programs in your area by using the online Head Start Locator.

After you find a Head Start program in your community, you must contact them directly. Each program requires applicants fill out paperwork and forms specific to their center. Many programs offer online or mail-in applications, but if you have any questions, contact a Head Start program in your area directly.

Sources:
-“Head Start” http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc
-NHSA: http://www.nhsa.org/services/find_a_head_start_program
-“Head Start Impact: Department of Health and Human Services Report” http://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/civil-rights/head-start-study/
-“Register for the Program” Head Start: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/family/For%20Parents/inside%20head%20start/frequently%20asked%20questions%20(faqs)/howdoiapplyfo.htm