1. 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.
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More ways to get help with this program
- Learn more about Head Start from NYCDOE.
- Call 311 and ask for “Head Start” if you need help finding a program.
2. Determine your eligibility
Your family may qualify for Head Start 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 | $27,950 |
| 3 | $34,645 |
| 4 | $41,795 |
| 5 | $48,945 |
| 6 | $56,095 |
| 7 | $63,245 |
| 8 | $70,395 |
| 9 | $77,545 |
| 10 | $84,695 |
| For each additional person: | add $5,500 |
The best way to find out if your family is eligible for Head Start is to contact a program directly.
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3. How to apply
Apply in person
To find and apply to a Head Start program:
- Go to MySchools (3-k) or MySchools (Pre-K).
- Click “More Filters”. Select the “Head Start” checkbox under “Year-Round 3-K / Pre-K Programs”.
- Type in your home address to search for a program.
- Contact a program that you’re interested in.
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