Head Start

Family

Care & Education Options

Quality Care for Low-Income Families

Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families.

Head Start Programs

Programs are available at no cost to children ages birth to five from low-income families. Programs may provide transportation to the centers so enrolled children can participate regularly. Families and children experiencing homelessness and children in the foster care system are also eligible. Additionally, Head Start services are available to children with disabilities and other special needs.

Head Start Locator

Head Start is designed to ensure that all children - regardless of their family's income, race, or ethnic background - are able to enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Lucille Roybal-Allard

United States Representative

Office of Head Start

Programs

Based upon your child’s age, you would qualify and enroll your child in one of two programs.

Birth-three year olds

Early Head Start

Early Head Start programs serve infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level.

Three-five year olds

Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children under five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Featured Resource

Head Start Program Guide

Within Central Indiana, Head Start programs are managed through a network of local agencies. Use this resource to learn more about Head Start and find and apply to a program near you.

Applying to Your Local Program

Your local Head Start program can help you understand the requirements for enrolling your child. They will answer your questions, provide required forms, and tell you what documents you need to apply. Due to limited government funding, there aren’t enough spaces for all eligible children. If there isn’t a space for your child at this time, ask the program to put your family on the waitlist.

Eligibility

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.

Federal Guidelines

Exceptions

Children in foster care, children experiencing homelessness, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are eligible regardless of income.

How to Apply

Your local program will provide the required forms and answer your questions. They will also tell you what documents you should bring with you to apply.

Apply Online

Head Start

Quality Care for Low-Income Families

Head Start Programs

Programs

Early Head Start

Head Start

Head Start Program Guide

Applying to Your Local Program

Eligibility

Exceptions

How to Apply

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