Head Start programs provide safe and positive environments for children age 3-4 to learn, play, and build the skills that get them ready for kindergarten and beyond. Programs also provide health, nutrition, and other services to children and their families.
Heads Up
Your child can begin a Head Start program at any time of the year if you qualify and there are open seats. Programs are free and run year-round for at least eight hours a day.Your child can get nutritious meals and health screenings.Head Start programs also help parents and families achieve their own goals. These include employment, housing, adult education, and accessing health services.Limited space is also available in (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/early-learn/) Early Head Start programs, which serve pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers.Head Start programs are located in centers run by community organizations and non-profits.Eligibility is based on your family’s income, housing situation, and/or if you get HRA cash assistance or SSI.
Eligibility
Your family may qualify for Head Start if one or more of these apply to you:
You live in temporary housingYou receive HRA Cash AssistanceYou receive SNAPYou receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income)You're enrolling a child who is in foster careYour family income falls below the amounts below:Household size|Yearly income2|$20,4403|$25,8204|$31,2005|$36,580 6|$41,960 7|$47,340 8|$52,720 Each Additional Person|$5,380The best way to find out if your family is eligible for Head Start is to contact a program directly.
Required Documents
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How to Apply
To find and apply to a Head Start program:
Go to MySchools (3-k) (https://www.myschools.nyc/en/schools/3k/) or MySchools (Pre-K) (https://www.myschools.nyc/en/schools/pre-k/) .Click “More Filters”. Select the “Head Start” checkbox under “Year-Round 3-K / Pre-K Programs”.Type in your home address to search for a program.Contact a program that you're interested in.
Online
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By Mail
Get Help
Learn more about Head Start from NYCDOE (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/head-start) .Call 311 and ask for "Head Start" if you need help finding a program.
