Eligibility FAQs
Looking for a program?
Enter your city, town or zip code to search for a program. You may also send a message to info@massheadstart.org. Remember to include the town or city where you live.
Want To Apply?
Contact your local program for information about how to apply. To determine if your family is eligible, you will need to provide your:
- Address
- Family income
- Child’s date of birth
Social security numbers are not required.
How much will it cost to send my child to Head Start?
Head Start is free!
Some programs offer extended hours for children who need care while their parents are working including school vacations and the summer months when the program is normally closed. Fees may be charged to send your child to Head Start at these times. Check with your local program to find out if additional hours are available and if your family is eligible.
Who is eligible for Head Start?
In general, eligibility is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See the following chart for the current guidelines. Eligibility for Head Start includes:
- Families whose incomes are at or below these guidelines
- Families who are receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI)
- Families who do not have a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence or who share the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Children in foster care
- Children with disabilities
- A limited number of families may earn more than these guidelines
Check with your local program to determine if you are eligible. You may be placed on a waitlist until an opening becomes available if you are eligible but the program is full. |
Persons in Family
or Household |
48 Contiguous States
and D.C. |
Alaska |
Hawaii |
| 1 |
$10,890 |
$13,600 |
$12,540 |
| 2 |
14,710 |
18,380 |
16,930 |
| 3 |
18,530 |
23,160 |
21,320 |
| 4 |
22,350 |
27,940 |
25,710 |
| 5 |
26,170 |
32,720 |
30,100 |
| 6 |
29,990 |
37,500 |
34,490 |
| 7 |
33,810 |
42,280 |
38,880 |
| 8 |
37,630 |
47,060 |
43,270 |
For each additional
person, add | 3,820 |
4,780 |
4,390 |
|
| SOURCE: Federal Register: Volume 76, Number 13, January 20, 2011, Pages 3637-3638 |
| |
How old must my child be to enroll in Head Start?
Head Start accepts eligible 3 and 4 year old children until they can enter Kindergarten.
Early Head Start accepts eligible infants and toddlers. Some programs also enroll pregnant women. |
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