Yes. Head Start 0 to 5 provides services at no cost to eligible families.

Eligibility is based on factors such as your child’s age or pregnancy, family income, and other eligibility or priority factors. Priority may be given to children who are experiencing homelessness, are in foster care, receive public assistance or SNAP, have a certified disability, or meet income eligibility requirements.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply. Our staff can help you understand your options.

Head Start 0 to 5 serves pregnant women and children from birth through age 5.

Early Head Start: Infants and toddlers younger than 3 years old, as well as eligible pregnant women.

Head Start: Children who are 3 to 5 years old and not yet old enough to attend public school.

Yes. Pregnant women may apply for Early Head Start services.

Not necessarily. Eligibility is based on several factors, including age, pregnancy, income, and other eligibility priorities. Some center-based options for children ages 0 to 3 require families to verify a need related to employment and/or school.

You may need documents such as:

• Proof of pregnancy, if applicable
• Proof of your child’s age or birth
• Immunization records
• Income verification, such as a tax return, W-2, CalWORKs/TANF, SNAP, SSI or other benefit documentation

Don’t have everything yet? Contact our staff for help with the application process.

Applications can be started online or by phone. You can also visit a Head Start location in person.

The application process generally includes five steps:

1. Referral → 2. Application → 3. Verification → 4. Notification → 5. Enrollment

The typical application process takes about 1–2 weeks, although the timeline can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the documents needed.

A Head Start staff member will contact you to complete an interview, verify the required information, and determine eligibility. Once your application is verified, you will be notified by mail, email, phone, or, when needed, through a home visit.

Your child can still apply. Head Start 0 to 5 welcomes children with disabilities and works with families and community professionals to help meet each child’s individual needs. Children with an IFSP or IEP may also receive enrollment priority.

Yes. Head Start 0 to 5 provides meals and snacks at no cost to enrolled children. Depending on the location and schedule, this may include breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and supper.

Head Start can provide specialized meals when the required paperwork is completed. In some cases, a pediatrician or other medical provider may need to provide documentation so that a specialized menu can be prepared.

Head Start 0 to 5 offers Center-Based and Home-Based options.

Center-Based: Children participate in learning and activities at a Head Start center. Schedules vary by location.

Home-Based: A Head Start educator visits your home regularly to provide learning activities and family support. Home-based families also have opportunities to participate in socialization activities.

Our staff can help you understand the available options based on your child’s age, your family’s needs, and available openings.

Fresno EOC Head Start 0 to 5 has locations throughout Fresno County.

Yes. Head Start 0 to 5 accepts applications year-round.

We’re here to help. Call the Head Start registration office at 559-263-1527 for assistance with the application process.