Overview  

Head Start is a federal program administered by the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Head Start Programs promote school readiness of low-income children by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development in a learning environment that supports children’s growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills, and approaches to learning. School readiness is also promoted through the provision of health, educational, nutritional, social, and other services, based on individual needs of low income children and their families.

The program is child-centered, family-focused, comprehensive and community-based. Head Start services are designed to address developmental goals for children, employment and self-sufficiency goals for adults, and support for parents in their work and child-caring roles. Head Start is a direct federal-to-local program administered by community “grantees”.

The ACF recognizes the important role of states in the development and implementation of policies and initiatives that affect low-income families and their children. Because of its federal-to-local funding, historically Head Start programs were often not included in policy and implementation discussions at the state level. As a result, Collaboration Office grants were developed to create a visible presence for Head Start at the state level and to assist in the development of multi-agency and public-private partnerships among Head Start and other interested stakeholders.

 
Eligibility Requirements:

The Head Start Act established income eligibility for participation in Head Start programs based on the poverty guidelines which are updated annually.  Pregnant woman and families with pre-birth to age five children are eligible to participate in Head Start if they are from low-income families or are eligible for public assistance programs.  Family income is verified by each Head Start program before determining that a child is eligible to participate. 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 children enrolled in Head Start programs must be from families who meet income eligibility guidelines.  Up to ten percent of Head Start families may be above the income guidelines.  At least ten percent of the enrollment opportunities in each program must be made 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 Grantee service area or having moved from a reservation.

Head Start Act 2007