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.