How does Head Start work?

Head Start gives 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families a free, full-day program to build the skills they need before kindergarten Children also get nutritious meals and health screenings Along with supporting your child, the program can help your family with employment, housing, adult education, and health services Head Start centers are run by community organizations and nonprofits across NYC Check out Early Head Start programs if you’re pregnant or have kids age two or younger

Am I eligible for Head Start?

Your family may qualify for Head Start if any of the following apply to you: You live in temporary housing You currently receive cash assistance, SNAP (food stamps), or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) You’re enrolling a child who is in foster care Your household income is at or below these levels: 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: +$5,500 You may still qualify even if your income is over the limit. If you spend more than 30 percent of your income on housing costs, Head Start can subtract those costs when calculating your income. You will need to provide documents showing your housing expenses. To find out if you qualify, contact a Head Start program near you.

Head Start – ACCESS NYC

How it works

Head Start gives 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families a free, full-day program to build the skills they need before kindergarten.

Head Start gives 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families a free, full-day program to build the skills they need before kindergarten
Children also get nutritious meals and health screenings
Along with supporting your child, the program can help your family with employment, housing, adult education, and health services
Head Start centers are run by community organizations and nonprofits across NYC
Check out Early Head Start programs if you’re pregnant or have kids age two or younger

Eligibility requirements

Your family may qualify for Head Start if any of the following apply to you:

You live in temporary housing
You currently receive cash assistance, SNAP (food stamps), or SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
You’re enrolling a child who is in foster care
Your household income is at or below these levels:

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:	+$5,500

You may still qualify even if your income is over the limit. If you spend more than 30 percent of your income on housing costs, Head Start can subtract those costs when calculating your income. You will need to provide documents showing your housing expenses.

To find out if you qualify, contact a Head Start program near you.

Immigration status requirements

You won’t be asked for proof of citizenship or immigration status when applying for Head Start.

How to apply

To find and apply to a Head Start program, use the Head Start Center Locator to find a program near you.

Get help

Visit HeadStart.gov to learn more.

Call 311 and ask for “Head Start” to find a program.

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Last Updated February 17, 2026

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Free education and services for families with kids ages 3 to 5 years old

Head Start | NYC Public Schools

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