Head Start / Early Head Start

Child Care | U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Families with childrenBabyToddlerPre-Schooler

Head Start and Early Head Start are free early childhood education programs for low-income families with kids ages 5 and under

Heads Up

  • Programs run year-round, up to 10 hours a day.
  • Early Head Start offers center-based care or home visits, plus meals and health screenings
  • Centers are run by community organizations and nonprofits across NYC
  • Both programs can connect your family with employment, housing, adult education, and health support

    • Eligibility

    Your family may qualify for Head Start or Early Head Start if any of the following apply to you:

  • You live in temporary housing
  • You currently receive cash assistance, SNAP (food stamps), or SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • You're enrolling a child who is in foster care
  • Your household income is at or below these levels:
  • Household size|Yearly income
  • 2|$21,640
  • 3|$27,320
  • 4|$33,000
  • 5|$38,680
  • 6|$44,360
  • 7|$50,040
  • 8|$55,720
  • For each additional person: |+$5,680
  • You may still qualify even if your income is over the limit. If you spend more than 30 percent of your income on housing costs, Head Start and Early Head Start can subtract those costs when calculating your income. You will need to provide documents showing your housing expenses.

    How to Apply

    To find and apply to a Head Start or Early Head Start program, use the Head Start Center Locator (https://headstart.gov/how-apply) to find a program near you.

    Online

    To find and apply to a Head Start or Early Head Start program, use the Head Start Center Locator (https://headstart.gov/how-apply) to find a program near you.

    Find a program

    Get Help

    Visit (https://headstart.gov/programs/article/head-start-approach) HeadStart.gov to learn more.

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