Head Start is free, federally funded early childhood care for children whose family income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines, plus several groups who qualify regardless of income, per the ACF Office of Head Start. In 2026 the income line is about $26,650 for a family of three, per the 2025 HHS poverty guidelines.
Head Start is open to children whose family income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines, plus several groups who qualify regardless of income, per the ACF Office of Head Start. Children experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or from families receiving TANF or SSI are categorically eligible no matter what they earn.
Age sets the program. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5, and Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to age 3, per the ACF Office of Head Start. Programs also reserve at least 10 percent of enrollment for children with disabilities, so a diagnosis does not reduce a child's chance of a place.
The income limit is 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Using the 2025 US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, that is about $26,650 for a family of three and $32,150 for a family of four, per HHS. Programs may also enroll some families above the line.
| Household size | 100% of poverty (2025 HHS) | Head Start status |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 2 | About $21,150 | Income-eligible at or below |
| Family of 3 | About $26,650 | Income-eligible at or below |
| Family of 4 | About $32,150 | Income-eligible at or below |
| Family of 5 | About $37,650 | Income-eligible at or below |
Beyond the income line, programs may fill up to 10 percent of enrollment with over-income families, and may serve families between 100 and 130 percent of poverty under certain conditions, per the ACF Office of Head Start. So a family slightly over the line should still apply, since local programs have some flexibility.
Age is the main difference. Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5 and focuses on preschool-age school readiness, while Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children from birth to age 3, per the ACF Office of Head Start. Both are free to eligible families and use the same income and categorical eligibility rules.
Many local agencies run both programs, so a child enrolled in Early Head Start as an infant can transition into Head Start at age 3. If you are pregnant or have a baby, ask specifically about Early Head Start, since families often do not realize care can start before age 3.
Head Start and Early Head Start are free to eligible families, with no tuition, per the ACF Office of Head Start. For comparison, paid center care commonly runs $800 to $2,500 a month, per US Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices ranges, so a slot can save a low-income family a large share of its budget.
One honest note. Head Start is genuinely free and consistently high quality, but it is not an entitlement, which means qualifying does not guarantee a seat. Funded slots fall short of the number of eligible children in most communities, so apply early and have a backup. Part-day schedules also may not cover a full work shift, so many working families pair Head Start with a subsidy-funded center or family child care.
Who qualifies? Families at or below the poverty guidelines, plus homeless, foster, TANF, and SSI families, per the ACF Office of Head Start.
What is the income line? About $26,650 for a family of three in 2026, per the 2025 HHS poverty guidelines.
What ages? Head Start covers ages 3 to 5; Early Head Start covers birth to 3 and pregnant women, per the ACF Office of Head Start.
What does it cost? Nothing for eligible families, versus $800 to $2,500 a month for paid care, per US Department of Labor ranges.
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