What Is Early Head Start
Early Head Start is a federally funded program operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers from birth to age three from low-income families. Funded at approximately $1.7 billion annually, the program operates in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and serves around 110,000 children and pregnant women each year. Unlike the broader Head Start program for preschoolers, Early Head Start focuses specifically on the critical developmental window from pregnancy through age three, when 90 percent of brain development occurs.
Eligibility and Services
Families qualify for Early Head Start if their household income falls at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty line. Many programs also prioritize families receiving Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidies, TANF benefits, or other public assistance. The program provides center-based care, family child care, home visiting services, or combinations of these approaches.
Services include:
- Early education and developmental screenings tied to specific benchmarks (language development, motor skills, social-emotional growth)
- Health and nutrition support, including medical and dental screenings for all enrolled children
- Family support services and parenting education
- Mental health services and developmental intervention referrals
- Transition planning for children moving to Head Start or kindergarten at age three
Staffing and Quality Standards
Early Head Start programs must meet federal staffing ratios stricter than state licensing requirements. Center-based infant classrooms require a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio, while toddler classrooms require 1:6. At least 50 percent of teaching staff must hold an associate degree or higher in early childhood education or a related field. Many Early Head Start programs pursue NAEYC accreditation, which adds additional requirements for curriculum quality, family engagement, and ongoing professional development.
All staff are required to complete 24 hours of professional development annually, focusing on infant-toddler development, classroom practices, and family engagement.
Developmental Monitoring and Transition
Programs must conduct comprehensive developmental screenings within 45 days of enrollment using validated assessments. Children who show developmental delays or concerns are referred to Early Intervention services (Part C of IDEA). Programs work directly with state Early Intervention coordinators to ensure eligible children receive evaluations and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
When children turn three, programs provide formal transition planning to either Head Start programs or community-based preschool, maintaining continuity of care and developmental progress documentation.
Common Questions
- Does Early Head Start accept CCDF subsidy vouchers? Yes. Many Early Head Start programs accept CCDF subsidies, allowing families to layer federal funding. Check with your local program about accepted subsidy types and any parent co-payment requirements.
- What happens if my child has a developmental concern? Early Head Start staff will conduct additional screenings and work with your state's Early Intervention program to arrange formal evaluation at no cost to your family. If your child qualifies, you'll develop an IFSP outlining services and goals.
- Can I find an Early Head Start program near me? The Administration for Children and Families maintains a searchable database of all Early Head Start grantees by state and county. You can also contact your local community action agency or state childcare resource and referral network.
Related Concepts
- Head Start - The preschool-age companion program for children ages three to five
- Early Intervention - State-based services for children with developmental delays from birth to age three