Head Start is funded by the federal government for children birth through age 5 (and expectant families).
- No-cost early learning in a program facility or visits in the home.
- Supports child development and learning. This includes social skills and skills for reading and math.
- Family support and involvement to meet family goals.
- Child health coordination and help to access medical and dental care.
- Other services specific to the needs of the child and family.
Types of Head Start
- Head Start is for children age three through five.
- Early Head Start is for children birth through age three (or expectant families).
- Migrant and Seasonal Head Start is for children birth through age five (or expectant families) in communities with migrant and seasonal workers.
- Tribal Head Start serves American Indian and Alaska Native children birth through age five (or expectant families). Services are located on or near reservations.
Eligibility
Children must be 0 through 5 years old (or an expectant family) and meet one of the following:
- From families at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, with priority to those at or below 100 percent; or
- Eligible for or receiving one of the following public assistance programs:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Basic Food Assistance in Washington State
- Experiencing homelessness
- In foster care
- Some children may be accepted who are over the income limit if they have developmental or environmental factors.
