Children from birth to age five from families with low income, according to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services.

Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (SNAP, TANF, or SSI) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.

Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from families that have incomes above the Poverty Guidelines. Programs may also serve up to an additional 35% of children from families whose incomes are above the Poverty Guidelines, but below 130% of the poverty line if the program can ensure that certain conditions have been met.

Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.

Contact your local Head Start or Early Head Start program to discuss your child’s eligibility.

If you need help finding a Head Start program in your area, you may use the online Head Start Center Locator, or find your local program on MHSA’s list of member agencies.

Use MHSA’s Head Start job board to see what positions Head Start agencies are hiring.