What Is Head Start? Eligibility, Income Limits & How to Apply (2026)

By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-08-06

Head Start is a free federal program offering preschool plus health, nutrition, and family-support services to children from lower-income families. Head Start serves children ages 3–5; Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under 3. It’s federally funded and run by local agencies, at no cost to eligible families.

Who qualifies

Eligibility is mainly income-based — at or below the federal poverty guidelines. Families can also qualify regardless of income if a child is in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or the family receives SNAP, TANF, or SSI. At least 10% of enrollment is reserved for children with disabilities, and programs may fill up to 10% of slots with families above the poverty line.

2026 Head Start income limits

Head Start uses the annual federal poverty guidelines. For the 48 contiguous states and DC in 2026 (Alaska and Hawaii are higher):

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2026 Poverty Guidelines. Near the line? Still apply — categorical eligibility and over-income slots mean many families qualify anyway. Check every option with our help paying for preschool tool.

What Head Start offers

• Early education — a developmentally appropriate preschool program.
• Health & nutrition — health, dental, vision, and developmental screenings, plus meals.
• Family support — parenting resources and connections to community services.

How to apply

Find and contact your local program through the federal Head Start locator at headstart.gov. Apply directly with that agency; because slots are limited, apply early and ask about waitlists.

Head Start vs. paid preschool

Head Start is free and comprehensive but income-limited; paid preschool is open to anyone and focuses on early learning. If you’re over the income line, look at other free pre-K options, childcare subsidies, and scholarships. Compare approaches in what is preschool.

Eligibility rules and program availability vary by location and change over time. This is general guidance — confirm current eligibility with your local Head Start program.

Frequently asked questions

What is Head Start?

Head Start is a free federal program that provides early education plus health, nutrition, and family-support services to children from lower-income families. It serves children ages 3–5; Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under 3.

Who qualifies for Head Start?

Eligibility is mainly based on income at or below the federal poverty guidelines. Children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or in families receiving certain public assistance can also qualify, and at least 10% of slots are reserved for children with disabilities.

What is the income limit for Head Start in 2026?

The 2026 federal poverty guideline is $33,000 a year for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states ($15,960 for one person, plus $5,680 per additional person; Alaska and Hawaii are higher). Families at or below that line qualify by income, and many qualify categorically regardless of income.

Is Head Start free?

Yes — Head Start and Early Head Start are free for eligible families. The program is federally funded and delivered by local agencies.

What is the difference between Head Start and Early Head Start?

Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to age 3; Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5, until kindergarten. Both are free to eligible families.

What is the difference between Head Start and preschool?

Head Start is free and comprehensive (education plus health and family services) but income-limited. Regular preschool is open to anyone who can pay tuition and focuses mainly on early learning. Head Start also coordinates health screenings and family support that most preschools don’t.

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