Eligibility - Head Start

Eligibility

Use the information below to help find out if you and your child are likely to be eligible for Head Start.

Eligibility Information

  • Children ages birth to 5 years
  • Household Income & Size
  • Foster Child
  • Homeless
  • TANF
  • SSI Recipients

Special Circumstances (Needs)

  • Disabilities (IEP/IFSP)
  • Child Welfare Services (CWS Referrals)
  • Family Justice Center (FJC)
  • Black Infant Health (BIH)

For full day programs, parent(s) must be working, seeking employment, attending vocational training, or attending school full time.

What You Need to Complete the Application

Proof of citizenship is not a requirement for enrollment in Head Start.

Proof of Income for the last 12 months or last calendar year

  • 1040 or W-2
  • Foster Care Income
  • Pay check stubs
  • Child Support
  • Notice of Action/CalWORKs
  • Unemployment
  • SSI/Social Security
  • Grants/Scholarship/Financial Aid
  • Any other income source
  • Download the Poverty Guidelines

Proof of Birth for Child(ren) you are applying for – please provide one of the following documents:

  • Birth certificate
  • Court orders regarding child custody
  • Adoption documents
  • Records of foster care placements
  • School or medical records
  • Other reliable documentation indicating the relationship of the child to parent
  • Head Start CWS Letter of Support – 04-100
  • Download the Enrollment Checklist

Proof of Identified Disability (if applicable)

  • Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

Proof of Identified Health/Medical Condition (if applicable)

  • Documentation from Medical Provider (i.e. Current Health Plan, Physician’s Report)
  • Health Insurance Cards for child applying for program (if available)
  • Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance

Social Security Card for child applying for program (if applicable)

Download the complete documentation checklist – English & Español