How to Find Out if You Qualify for Free Preschool Through Head Start

At Winnie, we feel strongly that every child deserves access to high-quality preschool and childcare, no matter what their family’s financial situation is. Private preschool tuition is unaffordable for many families, leaving them to wonder what low-cost or free options are available in their area. Head Start provides free high-quality preschool education, parenting support, and childcare for infants and toddlers. Here is a breakdown of the differences between Head Start and Early Head Start and how to find out if you qualify.

What is the purpose of Head Start?

Head Start was developed to offer free childcare and preschool programs to children from low-income families. The goal of Head Start is to work with the whole family in order to help break the cycle of poverty and meet the social, emotional, health, nutritional and psychological needs of the children they serve.

Originally designed as an 8-week summer program called Project Head Start to give children a "Head Start" in elementary school, it has grown into a program that provides year-round services for children from birth to age five. Since 1965, Head Start and Early Head Start have served more than 30 million children and their families.

Why is Head Start important?

Head Start is a federally funded program that provides free high-quality childcare and preschool to children ages birth through five years old in centers, in-home daycares, and occasionally in the child’s home. Head Start preschool programs for children ages 3-5 utilize a two-generation model, providing support to the family as a whole, including:

• Health services for children such as immunizations, dental care, developmental screenings, mental health support, and more. Parents receive support in managing their child’s health needs and are referred to community resources to help fund their care if needed. 
• Goal-setting support for parents whether they are looking to complete or further their education, improve their financial situation, find employment, Head Start helps parents succeed. 

Parent involvement is a huge component of the Head Start model. From serving on committees responsible for program decisions and hiring staff to volunteering in the classroom, parents play a critical role in their child’s education.

Is Head Start an accredited program?

In order to be a Head Start program, a school or childcare center has to apply and meet the federal licensing requirements, as well as their local requirements. A center can't just call itself Head Start, it has to apply and get accepted as a Head Start grantee. 

There are Head Start programs that go above and beyond the minimum criteria and receive a Program of Excellence Accreditation from the National Head Start Association. This designation is awarded to 25 programs each year, nationally that demonstrate robust outcomes for the children and families they serve. 

Who benefits from Head Start programs?

If a child is enrolled in Head Start the whole family benefits. Children get the benefit of early education and care, meals and health services. The parents have free childcare, so they can focus on work or school. 

Head Start also offers each family a Family Support Specialist that connects the family with needed resources for the entire duration they are enrolled in Head Start. Many Head Start programs offer classes for parents on financial literacy, parenting and even college or GED-level classes. 

How do I get my child into Head Start?

To apply for Head Start or Early Head Start services, you need to contact a local Head Start program. You can search for a program near you using Winnie, or call 1-866-763-6481 (toll-free). Once you get in touch with a local Head Start provider, they will help you through the eligibility process.  Depending on where you live and how many programs are available, there may be a waitlist so it is good to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. 

Eligibility 

Children from birth to age five whose family meets the income guidelines determined by the Department of Health and Human Services are eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services. The following criteria also make children eligible for Head Start: 

• Children from homeless families 
• Families who receive public assistance such as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are also eligible. 
• Foster children are eligible regardless of their foster family’s income.
• Migrant and Seasonal Head Start supports children of migrant and seasonal farmworker families and has additional eligibility requirements.

Head Start programs serve as a much-needed resource for children and families, preparing them for the future through education, connection, and support. Find Head Start programs near you and read reviews from other parents on Winnie.

Is Head Start the same as preschool?

Aside from needing to meet certain eligibility requirements to attend, Head Start is just like any other preschool program. There may be separate classrooms for three-year-olds and four-year-olds although some Head Start programs have mixed-age classrooms. 

Head Start classrooms look like any other preschool classroom and are typically divided into "centers". There may be a block center, art center, writing center and a rug where the children gather for morning meeting or to listen to a read-aloud. 

The curriculum in Head Start focuses on school readiness and developing the early academic and social-emotional skills needed for future school success. There are also additional components such as nutritional support and a focus on health and wellness in order to meet the needs of the whole child. 

What is Early Head Start?

Early Head Start provides similar education and support services as preschool Head Start but it is tailored to meet the needs of pregnant parents, infants, and toddlers. Early Head Start may be provided in childcare centers, in-home daycare, or the family’s home. Some of the benefits of Early Head Start for families include:

• Empowering families to achieve their goals around education, housing, financial independence, and health and wellness. 
• Prenatal support, including medical care, parenting education, and other vital resources for people who are starting their journey into parenthood. 
• Opportunities for physical development, social-emotional development, and cognitive development in nurturing childcare settings. 
• Health services such as medical care, dental care, developmental screening, and support finding community resources as necessary.