Head Start

Head Start is a federally funded program administered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1965, Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family engagement services to low-income children from birth to age 5 and their families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, while Head Start serves preschool-aged children.

Head Start programs operate in centers, family child care homes, and home-based settings across the country. They must meet rigorous performance standards covering all aspects of program operations, from curriculum and assessment to health services and family partnerships. Head Start teachers are required to hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education, with a goal of having lead teachers hold a bachelor's degree.

Funding for Head Start flows directly from the federal government to local grantees, which can be school districts, nonprofits, community action agencies, or tribal organizations. While Head Start is free for eligible families, programs operate on a competitive grant cycle and must demonstrate effectiveness to maintain funding. Head Start enrolls approximately one million children annually and is one of the largest investments in early childhood education in the United States.