HEAD START PROGRAMS 


What is Head Start? 

Head Start programs are committed to giving 
children the best opportunities for succeeding in 
school. These programs provide comprehensive 
early learning services to at-risk children and 
families, prioritizing enrollment to families at 100 
percent of the federal poverty level or other 
categorical eligibility area. Its mission is to promote 
school readiness in the areas of education, health, 
nutrition, and social development while encourag-
ing strong parent involvement. 

How Does It Work? 

Head Start takes a whole child-whole family 
approach and includes local programs run by 
professionals in the context of federally designated 
national standards. It ensures that parents receive 
help with a wide range of family needs, such as 
housing, employment, and parenting education. 
It even offers assistance to parents by connecting 
them to information about adult education and 
employment opportunities. Each Head Start 
program has a locally designed program model 
based on the needs of its local community. 
Depending on the community, the program may be 
offered in the home, with structured home visits, or 
in a classroom. Many programs offer full day 
classes for working parents, and are sometimes 
provided in cooperation with child care programs. 

 

Early Head Start 

Early Head Start gives low-income families and 
pregnant women the skills they need to enhance 
their children’s growth from birth to three years. 
Early Head Start home-based services include 
weekly 90-minute visits and two group socialization 
activities per month for parents and their children. 
Families earning up to 100% of the federal poverty 
level may be eligible. The program serves pregnant 
women, as well as infants and toddlers. 

How Much Does It Cost? 

Head Start is free to all families who are eligible for 
the program. 


How Can I Enroll My Child? 

If you are interested in enrolling your child in a 
Head Start Program, call 717-526-4646, or visit 

http://paheadstart.org/index.php/head-start-in-pa/
local-head-start-information/ . 




 
Does My Family Meet the Federal 
Poverty Guidelines? 
To find out if your family meets the Federal Poverty 
Guidelines needed to qualify for participation in 
Head Start/Early Head Start, simply follow the 
sample chart below.* 


1. Under the Household Size column, locate the 
number of individuals residing in your 
household. Age does not matter. 
2. Follow the row across to the maximum 
amount of total income in your household. 


* These guidelines are subject to change annually. To locate the most updat-
ed guidelines, visit: http://www.dhs.pa.gov. 


IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
 
Phone: For information on these programs, call the 
Office of Child Development and Early 
Learning (717) 346-9320, or call (717)-526- 
4646. 
Website: To locate a Head Start program near you, 
visit: 

http://paheadstart.org/index.php/head-start-in-
pa/local-head-start-information 


 Age Range: Age ranges are listed below. 

. Head Start: Ages 3 and 4 
. Early Head Start: Pregnant women, as well as 
infants and toddlers up to 3 years of age 


 Eligibility: Eligibility requirements are listed below. 

. Head Start: Families at 100 percent of the federal 
poverty level or other categorical eligibility area are 
prioritized. 
. Early Head Start: Pregnant women, low-income 
families, families earning up to 100% of the federal 
poverty guidelines. 






Tom Wolf, Governor