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Care and education for 3-4 year-olds from low-income families

Head Start | NYC Public Schools

How it works

Head Start programs provide safe and positive environments for children age 3-4 to learn, play, and build the skills that get them ready for kindergarten and beyond. Head Start also provides health, nutrition, and other services to children and their families.

  • Your child can begin a Head Start program at any time of the year if you qualify and there are open seats.
    • Programs are free and run year-round for at least eight hours a day.
    • Your child can get nutritious meals and health screenings.
  • Head Start programs also help parents and families achieve their own goals. These include employment, housing, adult education, and accessing health services.
  • Limited space is also available in Early Head Start programs, which serve pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers.
  • Head Start programs are located in centers run by community organizations and non-profits.

Eligibility requirements

The best way to find out if your family is eligible for Head Start is to contact a program directly.

Your family may qualify if one or more of these apply to you:

  • You live in temporary housing
  • You receive HRA Cash Assistance
  • You receive SNAP
  • You receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • You’re enrolling a child who is in foster care
  • Your family income falls below the amounts below:
Household size Yearly income
2 $21,500
3 $26,650
4 $32,150
5 $37,650
6 $43,150
7 $48,650
8 $54,150
9 $59,650
10 $65,150
For each additional person: add $5,500

There are some situations when your family may be eligible for Head Start, even if you earn above the income limit.

  • For example: if you pay more than 30% of your income towards housing, Head Start programs can calculate if your income still qualifies after subtracting for housing costs. You must submit relevant documents for Head Start programs to assess your situation.

Immigration status requirements

If eligible, your family can enroll in Head Start regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You won’t be asked for proof of citizenship or legal immigration status when applying for Head Start.


How to apply

Apply in person

To find and apply to a Head Start program:

  1. Go to MySchools (3-k) or MySchools (Pre-K).
  2. Click “More Filters”. Select the “Head Start” checkbox under “Year-Round 3-K / Pre-K Programs”.
  3. Type in your home address to search for a program.
  4. Contact a program that you’re interested in.

Get help

  • Learn more about Head Start from NYCDOE.
  • Call 311 and ask for “Head Start” if you need help finding a program.

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Last Updated April 1, 2025

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