What is Head Start?
Head Start began as a six week summer program funded by the Office of Economic Development in 1965. Since then, Head Start and Early Head Start have become national child development programs providing comprehensive developmental and social services for low-income families with children 0-5 years of age. Head Start programs exist in all fifty of the United States, the Virgin Islands, the Outer Pacific Islands, and on Indian reservations.
How is Head Start Funded?
Federal grants are awarded from the Head Start Bureau, an organizational component of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through regional offices to local public or private agencies. Unlike some of HHS's other programs, there is no state agency through which funding flows. Regional office specialists are responsible for negotiation and monitoring of local program grants within their respective Regions. All American Indian/Native Alaskan (AI/NA) grants are funded through Regional Office XI in Washington, D.C. Responsibility for South Dakota's AI/NA programs, whose grantees are primarily federally recognized Indian tribes, rests with this regional office. The remaining South Dakota Head Start programs are the responsibility of Region VIII with offices in Denver, Colo.
Twenty percent of the total cost of a Head Start program must be contributed by the community. The non-federal share of twenty percent may be in cash or contributed services. Most Head Start programs in South Dakota typically use federal funds to provide a nine-month, half-day, four-day-a-week program. Four programs offer a full-day, full-year option at some of their sites. Early Head Start programs operate year round and some provide full-day (approximately nine hours) services for qualifying families. Many local programs run with the standard public school year from approximately late August to late May. Some programs have expanded their services to run throughout the entire year. Other programs have extended or full-day classes that are generally reserved for families with parents who are either working full-time or are in school or a full-time training program. These programs are licensed child care centers which provide comprehensive Head Start services.
What are Head Start Eligibility Guidelines?
Children are eligible to participate in Head Start if they are from low-income families or if their families are eligible for public assistance. The Head Start Act established income eligibility for participation in Head Start programs based on the poverty guidelines updated annually in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42U.S.C. 9902 (2). Family income is verified by each Head Start program before determining that a child is eligible to participate in the program. Head Start is an equal opportunity program. Participation in the program and its activities is without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.
At least ninety percent of the children enrolled in each Head Start program must be from families who meet federally regulated income guidelines. Up to ten percent of Head Start enrollees may be above income guidelines. At least ten percent of the enrollment opportunities in each program must be make available to children with disabilities. There is no fee for Head Start services. There may, however be additional requirements for some programs such as living within the Head Start service area or having moved from a reservation.
2011 HHS Poverty Guidelines
Persons
in Family |
48 Contiguous
States and D.C. |
Alaska |
Hawaii |
| 1 |
$10,890 |
$13,600 |
$12,540 |
| 2 |
14,710 |
18,380 |
16,930 |
| 3 |
18,530 |
23,160 |
21,320 |
| 4 |
22,350 |
27,940 |
25,710 |
| 5 |
26,170 |
32,720 |
30,100 |
| 6 |
29,990 |
37,500 |
34,490 |
| 7 |
33,810 |
42,280 |
38,880 |
| 8 |
37,630 |
47,060 |
43,270 |
For each additional
person, add |
3,820 |
4,780 |
4,390 |
SOURCE: Federal Register, Vol. 76, No. 13, January 20, 2011, pp. 3637-3638
Are There Different Types of Head Start Programs?
Head Start programs provide comprehensive developmental services for low-income families with children three through five years old. Services include an educational program that provides a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth; a comprehensive health program that includes immunizations, medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services; parental involvement that includes parent education, program planning, and operating activities; and social services to each family after their needs are determined. Head Start programs can provide services to families in a center or at home.
How much Do Head Start Services Cost?
Head Start Services are free. Parents to Head Start children are asked to invest their time and energy to ensure the success of the program services.
How May I Enroll My Child in Head Start?
For Head Start enrollment information, please contact the Head Start or Early Head Start agency serving your community. Your local Head Start agency wil provide you with the required forms and answer any questions you may have about the program. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, visit
Find a Program page. If you need more help to find a Head Start or Early Head Start program in your area, please call the South Dakota Head Start Association and we will assist you in any way possible.