ABOUT HEAD START

General Information: Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child development programs that serve children from birth to age 5, pregnant women, and their families. They are child-focused programs and have the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.

Income Guidelines: Section 645 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840) establishes income eligibility for participation in Head Start programs by reference to the official poverty line, adjusted annually in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Head Start History: Beginning with a task force recommendation in 1964 for the development of a federally sponsored preschool program to meet the needs of disadvantaged children, Head Start has grown to serve children from birth to age 5 and their families.

Head Start Statistical Fact Sheets: The most recent budget, enrollment, demographic and program figures are presented in tables. (Research and Statistics)

Last Modified: 03/03/2004

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