As parents, we look for ways to help our kids. Some put their kids in sports, music lessons, or enrichment programs to boost their natural talents. But those activities can add up fast, and not every family has the extra room in their budget. Your child’s early education and development shouldn’t be limited by how much you can afford.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer high-quality support to families who need it most. For parents on a fixed income who juggle work, home life, and everything in between, Head Start gives their children access to early learning experiences, health check-ups, and social development opportunities.
How Head Start and Early Head Start Can Help Your Family
First, Head Start and Early Head Start (EHS) are federal programs that sponsor public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit agencies offering specific services to low-income children in the local community. Both programs provide the tools, resources, and learning experiences that set kids on the right path.
- Head Start typically prepares children between the ages of 3 and 5 for kindergarten.
- Early Head Start supports families with infants, toddlers, and even expectant moms.
Think of it as a boost to your child’s early learning, health, and social development. The goal is to help kids build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
And it’s not just about ABCs and 123s—these programs focus on your child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being too. It’s a holistic approach that focuses on the child and offers support for families to help everyone succeed together.
Key Benefits of Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start isn’t just a helping hand; it’s a full-on partnership designed to give your family the tools you need to thrive. When your child is part of Head Start or EHS, they receive various services supporting their development.
- Health services – Kids can access screenings and nutrition support so they are ready to learn.
- Early learning and development – They’ll be exposed to fun, engaging learning activities to boost their cognitive and social skills.
- Family well-being – It’s not just the kids who benefit—parents get support too! Head Start encourages parental involvement, offering workshops and resources to help you with everything from child development tips to financial planning.
Whether playing with dental services, learning to share, or improving language development, these programs offer individualized plans to meet your child’s needs. And for busy parents on a tight budget, this support can make a huge difference.
The Long-Term Impact of Head Start
Enrolling your child in Head Start or Early Head Start is an investment in their future. Research shows that children in these programs often experience long-lasting benefits beyond their time in the program.
Head Start kids tend to enter kindergarten better prepared than their peers, both academically and socially, which can give them a critical edge during those important first years of school.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Studies have found that Head Start children are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and avoid negative outcomes like dropping out or engaging in risky behaviors later on.
These programs also help kids develop essential social and emotional skills, such as self-control and working well with others, which are just as important for long-term success as academic achievement.
The impact can be equally significant for families. Head Start supports parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher, strengthening family bonds and helping parents build skills that can lead to better financial stability and personal growth.
By leveling the playing field early on, Head Start creates a foundation for future success for the children and the entire family.
Who Can Participate in Head Start and Early Head Start?
One of the best things about Head Start and Early Head Start is that they’re for families needing extra support. They’re for families with incomes at or below the federal poverty line for their family size.
The following is a table for the 2024 poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia:
| Persons in family/household | Poverty guideline |
| 1 | $15,060 |
| 2 | $20,440 |
| 3 | $25,820 |
| 4 | $31,200 |
| 5 | $36,580 |
| 6 | $41,960 |
| 7 | $47,340 |
| 8 | $52,720 |
Add $5,380 for each additional person in households with more than eight people. The guidelines for Alaska and Hawaii are higher.
Still, it can be worth applying even if your income is slightly more than the limit for your household since there are other factors to consider, such as kids in foster care or experiencing homelessness.
Your child is usually automatically eligible if your family receives:
- Public assistance like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Head Start is designed for children ages 3 to 5, focusing on preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. Early Head Start, on the other hand, supports families right from the start!
It’s tailored for infants and toddlers up to age 3, and even extends to expectant moms, offering guidance and resources during pregnancy to ensure families have the support they need from day one.
How to Apply for Head Start or Early Head Start
To find a local program, you can use the Head Start Program Locator online, which helps you search by ZIP code to find the nearest center. Or, simply search “Head Start in [your town/city]”.
Most local Head Start applications require basic information like your child’s name, birthdate, and address where you live. Other information will verify your eligibility, such as the household income, how many people are in your household, and if your family receives other government benefits.
Applying is straightforward but requires some paperwork. You’ll need to provide documents like:
- Proof of income
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Possibly public assistance records
It’s a good idea to reach out to your local Head Start center to get a full list of what’s required for the application. You may also ask for guidance through the process.
Since spots can be limited, especially in more populated areas, applying early is best. Some families may end up on a waiting list, but it’s worth getting your name in as soon as possible. Once your application is accepted, you’ll be on the path to providing your child with an incredible foundation for success.
