Guide
Head Start vs pre-K: who qualifies and how they differ
Who runs them
Head Start is funded by the federal government through the Office of Head Start, part of the Administration for Children and Families. Local agencies, school districts and nonprofits run the classrooms under federal standards. Early Head Start does the same for infants, toddlers and pregnant women.
Pre-K is funded by states, and sometimes cities or school districts. Each state sets its own rules on age, hours, teacher training and who can enroll, and many run pre-K classes inside daycares as well as public schools.
Who qualifies
Head Start is for families with incomes at or below the federal poverty guidelines. Children in foster care, children experiencing homelessness and families receiving public assistance such as TANF or SSI qualify whatever their income. Programs can enroll some children from families above the limit, and children with disabilities are welcome.
Pre-K eligibility depends on the state. Some states offer a free seat to every 4-year-old; others limit it to families under an income line or children with other needs, such as learning English. Ask your state's early learning or education agency what applies to you.
What is different in the day
Both are early learning programs that prepare children for kindergarten. Head Start adds more around the classroom: health and dental checks, meals, help for parents with goals such as work or school, and family support staff. Pre-K usually focuses on the classroom day, which may be part-day or a full school day.
Hours vary in both. If you need care for a full workday, ask whether the program has before and after care, or pair it with a daycare that offers wrap-around hours.
Finding them on our site
Many Head Start classrooms are licensed daycares. 5,257 daycares on our site have Head Start in their name, 576 of them Early Head Start programs, and 655 of the daycare websites we read mention a Head Start program. Pre-K is mentioned on 34.4% of the daycare websites we read.
Checklist
How to choose and apply
- Check Head Start first if your income is low. Contact your local Head Start program; the Office of Head Start runs an online locator.
- Check your state's pre-K. Find out whether your child's age and your income qualify, and which schools and daycares offer it.
- Apply early. Both often fill up. Many programs take applications in spring for the fall.
- Count the hours. Ask about the daily schedule and whether before and after care is offered.
- Ask about the extras. Meals, health checks, transportation and help for children with disabilities differ by program.
Next step
Next steps
FAQ
Questions
Is Head Start the same as pre-K?
No. Head Start is a federal program for children 3 to 5 from families with low incomes, with health and family services included. Pre-K is a state program, usually for 4-year-olds, with rules set by each state.
Is Head Start free?
Yes. Head Start and Early Head Start are free for families who qualify.
What are the income limits for Head Start?
Families qualify with income at or below the federal poverty guidelines, and children in foster care, experiencing homelessness or in families receiving TANF or SSI qualify whatever their income. Local programs can enroll some families above the limit.
What age is Early Head Start?
Early Head Start serves babies and toddlers from birth to age 3, and pregnant women.
Sources: Office of Head Start, Administration for Children and Families; daycare names and websites on our site.