The Head Start Program
The Head Start Program provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families
- Agency
- United States Department of Health and Human Services
- Type
- Federal Resource
- Phone
- Application Period
- Income Limit
The Head Start Program provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Its aim is to foster stable family relationships, enhance children’s physical and emotional well-being, and establish an environment to develop strong cognitive skills.
The Head Start Program provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Its aim is to foster stable family relationships, enhance children’s physical and emotional well-being, and establish an environment to develop strong cognitive skills.
Eligibility Requirements
Designed for low-income children and their families.
Additional Information
Learn more from their website
Images & PDFs
Braiding Federal Funding to Expand
An infographic illustrating strategies for integrating multiple funding streams to support programs. It focuses on coordination and governance structures to maximize resource use.
View Full ImageFY 2018 SNAP-Ed Plan Guidance
A resource detailing a social-ecological model for food and physical activity decisions, including various influences from social and cultural norms to individual factors. Part of USDA's SNAP-Ed guidance.
View Full ImageMulticultural Principles for Head Start Programs
A resource providing guidance on integrating multicultural principles in Head Start Programs aimed at serving children from diverse backgrounds. Focuses on addressing culture and home language.
View Full ImageQRIS User Guide (EEC) Single Sign
This is a guide for managing Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) applications in Massachusetts. It supports users in navigating the QRIS Program Manager Home.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Head Start: A Comprehensive Approach to Community Development
5/15/2018 | Coverage: state
This report highlights the community-wide benefits of the Head Start program, emphasizing its role in strengthening local economies and reducing stigma associated with receiving assistance.
Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Coverage Area: state
Rising Costs and the Need for Early Childhood Education Programs
7/22/2021 | Coverage: national
This report analyzes how the increasing cost of living, coupled with stagnant wages, underscores the critical need for programs like Head Start to support low-income families.
Source: Urban Institute
Coverage Area: national
The Economic Impact of Head Start on Low-Income Families
10/1/2020 | Coverage: national
This report discusses how Head Start programs have significantly improved economic stability for low-income families, showcasing the direct correlation between access to early education and reduced reliance on public assistance.
Source: Administration for Children and Families
Coverage Area: national
Program Timeline
Head Start Performance Standards Revision
3/30/2010The revised performance standards aimed to increase accountability, ensuring that all Head Start programs met the essential criteria for providing quality education and support.
Head Start Improvement Act
9/30/2007The Act aimed to improve program quality and accountability while ensuring services were responsive to community needs.
Head Start Reauthorization Act
12/12/1994The reauthorization emphasized school readiness and expanded program standards, including performance standards for accountability.
Reauthorization and Funding Changes
1/1/1981Reauthorization under President Ronald Reagan led to budget cuts, challenging program sustainability and reducing the number of children served.
Expansion of Head Start Services
1/1/1970Head Start expanded to serve more children and began to include children with disabilities, enhancing inclusivity in early childhood education.
Head Start Program Established
1/8/1965The Head Start Program was created as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, aiming to provide comprehensive early childhood education and social services.
FAQ
To apply for the Head Start Program, you need to contact your local Head Start agency. Applications are usually accepted year-round, but it’s advisable to apply early as spots may be limited. The application process typically involves filling out forms and providing documentation related to income and residency.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you with the application process:
- Contact your local Head Start agency to get the application form
- Gather necessary documents (income proof, residency proof, child's birth certificate)
- Fill out the application form completely
- Submit the application and required documents to the agency
Following these steps will streamline your application process.
To ensure a successful application, consider the following action items:
- Visit the Massachusetts Head Start website for specific agency contacts
- Prepare your documentation ahead of time
- Follow up with the agency after submitting your application
These actions can help improve your chances of securing a spot in the program.
Reference: https://www.mass.gov/head-start-program-application
The Head Start Program in Massachusetts is a federally funded initiative aimed at promoting school readiness for children from low-income families. It provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and social services to children aged 3 to 5, along with support for their families.
Reference: https://www.mass.gov/head-start-program
Eligibility for the Head Start Program is primarily based on family income, which must be at or below the federal poverty level. Additionally, priority is given to children with disabilities, children in foster care, and those experiencing homelessness. The program is designed to serve children and families who are most in need.
To determine eligibility for the Head Start Program, consider the following checklist:
- Family income at or below the federal poverty level
- Child's age must be between 3 to 5 years old
- Child must not be enrolled in another public school program
- Prioritize applications for children with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds
If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for enrollment in the Head Start Program.
Reference: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/head-start-program-eligibility
