Help Paying for Preschool in Louisiana (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Louisiana 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 Louisiana
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 Louisiana (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 Louisiana program →
Public pre-K in Louisiana
Louisiana's public pre-K, LA 4 Public Pre-Kindergarten, is income- or risk-based (age 4 by September 30; at-risk families (free/reduced-lunch eligible) prioritized). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Louisiana program info →
Childcare subsidy in Louisiana
Separate from preschool programs, Louisiana's childcare subsidy — Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — helps working families pay for care (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to at or below 65% of the state median income — measured against your state's median income, a higher ceiling than the federal poverty line. Raised to 65% SMI in 2024; administered by the LA Dept of Education. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Louisiana
See also: when your child can start school in Louisiana · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.