How does it work?
The program prepares children to enter school ready to learn and supports a child’s mental, social, and emotional development. Head Start programs also provide participating children and their families with information on health, nutrition, social development, and other services.
HS programs serve nutritious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks to your child at no cost to your family. Depending on the program location, your child may be brought to and from school by an adult who is at least 18 years old.
The Philadelphia School District runs its own Head Start centers and also partners with private pre-kindergarten providers in the area.
Am I eligible:
You are likely eligible for Head Start if:
- Your child is between the ages of 3 and 5
- You meet income guidelines: Your child’s eligibility to receive HS funding is based on your family’s size and income. To be eligible to receive HS funding, your total annual family income must be 100% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Look below to see whether you’re likely to quality for HS funding based on the number of people in your family and how much you make:
Family Size |
Maximum Yearly Family Income (2018) |
|---|---|
| 2 | $21,398 |
| 3 | $27,014 |
| 4 | $32,630 |
| 5 | $38,220 |
| 6 | $43,862 |
| 7 | $49,478 |
| 8 | $55,094 |
Each child care provider may also have specific requirements for enrollment. For instance, in an area with high incarceration rates, the local HS provider may prioritize children with an incarcerated parent. You must check with the HS provider closest to you to determine individual eligibility.
Families experiencing homelessness or children who are in foster care are automatically eligible to receive Head Start funding.
Families who receive SSI or TANF are also automatically eligible.
How to Apply?
To see if your family is eligible for Head Start, you will need to contact a Head Start program directly.
Find a Head Start program in your area by:
- Visiting our quality child care map here
- Visiting Great Philly Schools here and search by School level: Preschools and Daycares
Hint: Filter by ECE Programming to see a list of all Head Start Programs! - Using the Head Start Locator here (and below)
- Calling 1-866-763-6481 (toll-free)
- Call the Office of Early Childhood Education at 215-400-4270 and request a Pre-K Head Start Registration packet to be mailed to you
The information needed to complete an application may include:
- Completed Head Start Application
- Verification of your child’s birth
- Verification of your family’s total income
- Photo ID of Parent / Guardian
- Your child’s immunization record and Health Assessment
- Child’s IEP or CER (if applicable)
** NOTE: Children are entitled to Head Start funding regardless of immigration status.**