Help Paying for Preschool in California (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but California 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 California (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 California →
Public pre-K in California
California's public pre-K, California State Preschool Program (CSPP), is income- or risk-based (ages 3–4). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official California program info →
Childcare subsidy in California
Separate from preschool programs, California's childcare subsidy — CalWORKs Child Care / Alternative Payment Program — helps working families pay for care, for income up to below 85% of the state median income at entry. 24-month continuous eligibility once enrolled; apply via local Alternative Payment / Resource & Referral agencies. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in California
See also: when your child can start school in California · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.