Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Head Start and other early education and care programs?

How do I find a program near me?

How do I know if my local program serves infants and toddlers?

Who is eligible for Head Start?

How do I apply?

What if my child has special needs?

Is there a fee to enroll my child in Head Start?

What kind of program will Head Start provide for my child?

Will Head Start provide transportation to my child’s center?

Is it true that Head Start staff make home visits when my child attends a Head Start center?

Does Head Start provide meals?

What kind of volunteer opportunities exist for parents/caregivers?

What is the difference between Head Start and other early education and care programs?

Early/Head Start differs from other early education and care programs because it is a family centered program in which staff partner with parents to help children become successful learners. The two elements that make Head Start unique are its emphasis on comprehensive services and the decision-making authority that parents are able to exercise through their participation on parent policy groups.

How do I find a program near me?

Go to the home page and enter the community or zip code in which you reside in the search engine. The name and contact information for your local program will be provided.

How do I know if my local program serves infants and toddlers?

At the present time Early Head Start services are available on a limited basis in Massachusetts. Only programs designated as Early Head Start are able to enroll infants and/or toddlers.

Who is Eligible for Head Start?

Eligibility for Early/Head Start is based on the federal poverty income guidelines which are updated each year by the Census Bureau. Head Start families' income may not exceed the poverty line as depicted for 2006 on the following chart. However, programs are allowed to accept a limited number of families that earn more than the guidelines allow, so it is best to check with your local program to determine if you are eligible.

SOURCE: Federal Register,Vol. 72, No. 15, January 24, 2007, pp. 3147–3148

How do I apply?

Please contact your local program directly. Let the program know that you are interested in enrolling your child in Early/Head Start and staff will explain the application process. In general you will need your child’s birth certificate and documentation of your address and family income to determine Head Start eligibility.

What if my child has special needs?

Local programs are required to reserve at least 10% of their enrollment slots for eligible children with special needs. All Head Start programs have specially trained staff to provide additional support for children with special needs. If your child has a disability or you are concerned that your child may have a special need, please inform the program when you first call. You may also ask to speak to the program manager who works with children with special needs. At the time of application, staff will encourage you to sign a release of information to talk with any specialists that have worked with your child in the past. While this is not required, it does help to plan for your child’s transition into Early/Head Start.

Is there a fee to enroll my child in Head Start?

No. Head Start is free to eligible participants for the basic Head Start program (see below). Some programs offer extended day/full year enrollment options to qualified families on a sliding fee basis. Check with your local program to see if this is offered and if it is an option for your child.

What kind of program will Head Start provide for my child?

Because Head Start is designed to offer the flexibility to develop services that meet the needs of families and communities, it offers different enrollment options. You will need to talk with your local program to find out which options are available in your community.

Center-Based Option: The vast majority of programs provide half-day classrooms for preschool children. A limited number of classrooms are available in certain communities for infants and toddlers. Classes generally are in session for several hours a day throughout the week – a few centers operate for four days – from September to May or early June. Early Head Start operates on a full-year basis. As noted above, some programs also provide extended day and/or full-year options to eligible families.

Home-Based Option: In this service delivery model for preschoolers or children from birth to three, staff makes weekly home visits to provide the full array of Head Start services in your home. In addition, socialization groups are offered at least twice a month to allow children to play with other children their age in an early childhood setting and provide families and staff with opportunities to share parenting tips and resources. Home-based options are available on an academic calendar for families with preschool-aged children and on a year-round basis for families enrolled in Early Head Start.

Family Child Care Option or Combination Option: A few programs offer the full array of Head Start services in family child care homes or through locally designed combination options. Check with your local program.

Will Head Start provide transportation to my child’s center?

Is it true that Head Start staff make home visits when my child attends a Head Start center?

Yes. Because parents are full partners with staff in their children’s education, we have found that home visits which are scheduled twice a year with your child’s teacher are a terrific way to foster a home-school connection to discuss your child’s development, goals and progress. Children are usually very excited to show their teachers where they live, and to see their parents and teachers talking together about what they are doing at Head Start!

Does Head Start provide meals?

All children that are enrolled in Head Start centers or family child care homes receive breakfast and lunch and snacks if they attend on a full day basis. Children also receive snacks during socialization groups. Meal service is included in Head Start because of its comprehensive approach and recognition that good nutrition is an important part of helping children to be successful learners.

What kind of volunteer opportunities exist for parents/caregivers?

When your child enrolls in Head Start, you will have a chance to participate in special activities tailored to your own needs and interests. Some of the many opportunities to volunteer include: working in a classroom, serving as an elected representative for your center’s Parent Committee or the program’s Policy Council (or Committee), working with staff on the program’s curriculum, and participating with staff and community representatives on the program’s Health Advisory Committee. You may volunteer occasionally or on a regular basis. Head Start has an open door policy and families are always welcome to visit!