Head Start Locator

Head Start and Early Head Start provide family, early childhood education, and early childhood development services to children ages zero to five and pregnant women from income-eligible families. Use the Head Start Locator tool to find a Head Start or Early Head Start program in your area. You must apply to a program in your community closest to where you live. Your local program will provide the required forms and answer your questions. They will also tell you what documents you should bring with you to apply.

Preschool prepares children for success in kindergarten and beyond with opportunities to develop social-emotional skills, as well as pre-reading and pre-math abilities. Depending on where you live, your income, and your personal preferences, there may be many preschool options available. Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from income-eligible families at no cost. Services are provided in a variety of settings including centers, family child care, and children’s own home. Head Start programs also engage parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family wellbeing. Parents participate in leadership roles, including having a say in program operations.

Head Start Locations Across the Country

Head Start serves over 1 million children and their families in 2,809 programs, employing 225,000 staff and teachers. There are more than 20,000 classrooms throughout the country. Explore their locations in detail, state-by-state.