When exploring early childhood education options, many parents come across Head Start and Early Head Start programs. While these federally funded initiatives aim to support low-income families and promote school readiness, they serve different age groups and provide distinct types of care and educational services. Understanding the differences between Head Start and Early Head Start can help families make informed decisions about their child’s early development.
Head Start is one of the most significant early childhood education programs in the United States. Since its inception in 1965, it has provided comprehensive services to millions of children from low-income families, preparing them for school success. This article explores the origins, development, and impact of Head Start over the decades.
The Head Start program, established in 1965, has been a pivotal initiative in providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families in the United States. Over the decades, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate its impact on various developmental and educational outcomes.​
Since its inception in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” Head Start has grown into one of the most impactful early childhood education programs in the United States. Serving over 37 million children and families since its launch, Head Start now operates in every state and congressional district through more than 1,700 local programs. Yet, despite its federal framework, the implementation of Head Start varies widely across states, shaped by differences in funding, governance, demographics, and policy priorities​