Head Start Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for Head Start services is primarily based on:
- The child's age
- His/her family's income
- Whether the child has a disability.
Other factors taken into consideration include:
- Parental status: emancipated minor, one or two parent household, foster care, or non-biological custodian
- Various social conditions that could include, but are not limited to: terminal illness or death in the family, abuse, substance abuse, other siblings attending Head Start programs, referrals from other agencies, mental health of the parent, homelessness, education of parent, non-English speaking family, etc.
Expectant mothers should apply for Head Start assistance as soon as possible to limit the time their children are on a waiting list.
The criteria for eligibility varies with each delegate agency. Contact your delegate for specific eligibility questions.