Help Paying for Preschool in Alabama (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Alabama families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start
Free, federally funded preschool (Head Start for ages 3–5, Early Head Start under 3). It's for families at or below the federal poverty line — or who qualify on other factors. Income limits in Alabama (2026):
| Household size | Income at or below (100% FPL, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 |
| 6 | $44,360 |
You can also qualify regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. Find a Head Start program in Alabama →
Public pre-K in Alabama
Alabama's public pre-K, First Class Pre-K, is open to all age-eligible children regardless of income (age 4 by September 1 — voluntary, no income requirement (seats limited by capacity)) — free, though seats can be limited, so apply early. Official Alabama program info →
Childcare subsidy in Alabama
Separate from preschool programs, Alabama's childcare subsidy — Alabama Child Care Subsidy Program — helps working families pay for care, for income up to up to 130% of the federal poverty level for new applicants. Funding-limited; administered through regional Child Care Management Agencies. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Alabama
See also: when your child can start school in Alabama · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.