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 in Alabama
Head Start is free, federally funded preschool (ages 3–5; Early Head Start under 3) for families at or below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 for a family of four in Alabama (2026) — and it's free regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. See the full income limits by household size → · Find a Alabama program →
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 (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to up to 130% of the federal poverty level for new applicants — roughly $42,900 for a family of four — measured against the federal poverty level. 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.