Head Start programs provide safe and positive environments for children age 3-4 to learn, play, and build the skills that get them ready for kindergarten and beyond. Head Start also provides health, nutrition, and other services to children and their families.
- Your child can begin a Head Start program at any time of the year if you qualify and there are open seats.
- Programs are free and run year-round for at least eight hours a day.
- Your child can get nutritious meals and health screenings.
- Head Start programs also help parents and families achieve their own goals. These include employment, housing, adult education, and accessing health services.
- Limited space is also available in Early Head Start programs, which serve pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers.
- Head Start programs are located in centers run by community organizations and non-profits.
Who is eligible
The best way to find out if your family is eligible for Head Start is to contact a program directly.
Your family may qualify if one or more of these apply to you:
- You live in temporary housing
- You receive HRA Cash Assistance
- You receive SNAP
- You receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- You’re enrolling a child who is in foster care
- Your family income falls below the amounts below:
| Household size | Yearly income |
| 2 | $21,500 |
| 3 | $26,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 |
| 5 | $37,650 |
| 6 | $43,150 |
| 7 | $48,650 |
| 8 | $54,150 |
| 9 | $59,650 |
| 10 | $65,150 |
| For each additional person: | add $5,500 |
There are some situations when your family may be eligible for Head Start, even if you earn above the income limit.
- For example: if you pay more than 30% of your income towards housing, Head Start programs can calculate if your income still qualifies after subtracting for housing costs. You must submit relevant documents for Head Start programs to assess your situation.
How to apply
To find and apply to a Head Start program:
- Go to MySchools (3-k) or MySchools (Pre-K).
- Click “More Filters”. Select the “Head Start” checkbox under “Year-Round 3-K / Pre-K Programs”.
- Type in your home address to search for a program.
- Contact a program that you’re interested in.
How to get help
- Learn more about Head Start from NYCDOE.
- Call 311 and ask for “Head Start” if you need help finding a program.
Other Child Care Programs
Child Care Vouchers
NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS)
Vouchers that help cover the cost of child care for children 6 weeks to 13 years old
Child care vouchers help pay for child care from licensed providers or informal providers like relatives, neighbors, or friends.
NYC Child Care Connect (NYC CCC)
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
Find a licensed child care program
An online resource that helps you find and stay informed about a child care program in your community.
Infants and Toddlers
NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Free or low-cost child care for children six weeks to two years old
Early child care and education services for up to 10 hours a day.
Updated April 1, 2025