Income Eligibility

Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide comprehensive services for pregnant mothers and families with infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Program eligibility is determined by submission of the parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregivers(s) the previous 12-months gross income and those at or below the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines are eligible.  

In addition, families receiving current and ongoing CalWORKs Cash Aid (TANF), Tribal TANF and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible regardless of total income.  Families experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act as well as children placed in 24-hour out-of-home foster care placement are also eligible regardless of income (foster parents are not required to submit any income documentation).

Applicants with disabilities as evidenced by an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) for children ages 0-3 or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for ages 3-5 may receive over-income waivers up the 10% of the program's total funded enrollment.  

 Age Eligibility

Early Head Start: Pregnant women of any age and infants/toddlers ages 0-3.

Head Start:  Children ages 3 years-old by September 1st and not yet age eligible for Kindergarten. 

 Age Verification Documents Required for Eligibility

• Applicant’s Birth Certificate or other Age Verification (not required for pregnant women applicants)

Income or Categorical Verification Documents Required for Eligibility

• Income Verification (prior 12 months from application submission date)
• Notice of Action or Passport to Services (if receiving CalWORKs Cash Aid)
• Proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if applicable
• Homelessness verification (if applicable and available)
• Proof of legal custody (if the child is in foster care or guardianship)

Other Eligibility Documents (if applicable)

• Current IFSP (Early Head Start) or Current IEP (Head Start) if over-income (waivers limited to 10% of total funded enrollment)
• Full-Time Employment or Full-Time School/Training Verification (to receive full-day prioritization)

Documents Required for Enrollment After an Enrollment Slot is offered

• Applicant’s Immunization Records (must be up to date for age)
• Applicant’s Completed Physical Exam (must be up to date for age)
• Completed TB Assessment and/or TB Test Results
  
  
  

Visit our main page for links to our online application submission form (English and Spanish) as well as to access downloadable PDF applications that can be submitted in person or mailed to any RCOE operated site.

For school district operated delegate agencies, the main page will list a contact number for each district and the Head Start Locater will also list the contact information for each center located utilizing the search feature.

To speak with a representative at the RCOE Head Start Main Office, please call (800) 600-1800.

RCOE or its delegate agencies do not charge fees for Head Start or Early Head Start program services.

You may contact us during business hours using our toll free number (800) 600-1800. You can also contact any of the 11 contracted delegate school districts or RCOE directly operated site in your area by using the Head Start Locator.