Help Paying for Preschool in Georgia (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Georgia 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 Georgia (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 Georgia →
Public pre-K in Georgia
Georgia's public pre-K, Georgia's Pre-K Program, is open to all age-eligible children regardless of income (age 4 by September 1 — lottery-funded, open to all Georgia 4-year-olds) — free, though seats can be limited, so apply early. Official Georgia program info →
Childcare subsidy in Georgia
Separate from preschool programs, Georgia's childcare subsidy — Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) — helps working families pay for care, for income up to at or below 50% of the state median income for new applicants. Enrolled families keep CAPS until income passes 85% SMI. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Georgia
See also: when your child can start school in Georgia · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.