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Eligibility

Eligibility for Head Start is determined by guidelines established by the federal government.

  • Are you pregnant or do you have a child under 5?
  • Is your income level at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines?*
  • Are you experiencing homelessness?
  • Do you have a child with special needs?
  • Do you receive TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)?
  • Do you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?
  • Are you a foster family?
  • Do you have other special circumstances that may qualify you for services?
  • If you answered yes to any of these questions you may qualify for Head Start Services.
  • Note: Parents of special needs children are highly encouraged to apply.
  • *Please visit U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines for more information on income eligibility.
  • Families seeking full-day services must qualify for the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program through Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCRRN)
  • Enrollment is NOT first come first served. The families with the greatest needs receive services first, no matter the date of application for enrollment.

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