Help Paying for Preschool in Mississippi (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Mississippi 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 Mississippi
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 Mississippi (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 Mississippi program →
Public pre-K in Mississippi
Mississippi's public pre-K, Early Learning Collaborative (ELC), is income- or risk-based (age 4 by September 1; free in approved collaborative sites, limited by funded slots/geography). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Mississippi program info →
Childcare subsidy in Mississippi
Separate from preschool programs, Mississippi's childcare subsidy — Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) — helps working families pay for care (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to up to 85% of the state median income (~$56,600 for a family of 4) — measured against your state's median income, a higher ceiling than the federal poverty line. Apply or learn more →
See also: when your child can start school in Mississippi · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.