Head Start & Early Head Start
Free early education for low-income families (birth to 5)
What it pays or provides
Head Start and Early Head Start provide free early childhood education along with health, nutrition, and family support services. Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers; Head Start serves children up to age 5. Some programs offer a full-day, full-year option, and services can flex as your family's circumstances change.
Who qualifies
Your family generally qualifies if your income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines for a child from birth to age 5. Oregon Prekindergarten programs can also enroll some families above that income level — up to 20% of enrollment can be families over the poverty guidelines, plus another 35% can be families under 130% of the poverty line, under certain conditions. You qualify regardless of income if your child is in foster care, is experiencing homelessness, or your family receives TANF or SSI; pregnant women also qualify for Early Head Start regardless of income. Programs are also required to serve children with disabilities, who must make up at least 10% of total enrollment.
Income limits by household size
The income limit shown reflects the federal poverty guidelines cutoff. Families in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income.
| People in your household | Monthly income limit (about) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $1,800 |
| 3 | $2,280 |
| 4 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $3,220 |
| 6 | $3,700 |
| 7 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $4,640 |
Limits shown are approximately 100% of the federal poverty guidelines, rounded — the program’s own table is the final word.
How other benefits affect it
Head Start hours don't cover a full work day for most parents — ERDC can pay for child care during the hours before or after Head Start, or during school/work hours Head Start doesn't cover. WIC can also provide nutrition benefits alongside Head Start for young children.
How to apply
Contact your local Head Start or Early Head Start program directly to ask about enrollment, or call 800-556-6616 for help finding a program. You can also call 211 for local program information.
Go to the official page →or call 800-556-6616
Programs that combine with it
- Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) — help paying for childcare
- WIC (Women, Infants & Children) — food & support for pregnant people & young kids
Sources
- Official rule text “children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.” (checked July 6, 2026)