Differences Between Head Start and Early Head Start

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 a comprehensive early childhood education program designed for children aged 3 to 5 years. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the program aims to prepare preschoolers for school by promoting cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Key Features of Head Start:

Serves children ages 3 to 5
Focus on school readiness
Offers preschool curriculum, meals, health screenings, and family support
Often operates in center-based settings like schools or community centers
Available at no cost to eligible low-income families

Early Head Start (EHS) is tailored for infants, toddlers (birth to age 3), and pregnant women. Its goal is to provide nurturing environments that support the developmental needs of very young children, including prenatal education and parenting support.

Key Features of Early Head Start:

Serves infants and toddlers (0–3 years) and pregnant women
Emphasis on early development, health, and family bonding
Offers home-based or center-based services
Provides parenting education and support during pregnancy
Also free for income-eligible families

Key Differences Between Head Start and Early Head Start

Feature	Head Start	Early Head Start
Age Group	3–5 years	0–3 years and pregnant women
Focus	School readiness, pre-literacy, social development	Early childhood development, parent-child bonding, health
Service Model	Primarily center-based	Center-based, home-based, or a mix
Duration	Typically part-day or full-day school year programs	Year-round, flexible schedules
Curriculum	Preschool curriculum	Individualized development plans for infants/toddlers

Shared Benefits of Head Start and Early Head Start

Both programs provide a range of comprehensive services:

Health and nutrition screenings
Developmental assessments
Family engagement and support
Services for children with disabilities

They also share the goal of closing the achievement gap for children from low-income families by promoting early learning and stability.

Who Qualifies for These Programs?

Eligibility for both Head Start and Early Head Start is primarily based on family income (below the federal poverty line), but children in foster care, homeless children, and those receiving public assistance (like TANF or SSI) are also eligible. Some programs can enroll families above the poverty line under specific conditions.

How to Apply:

To find a local program and begin the application process, visit the Head Start Locator.

Understanding the differences between Early Head Start and Head Start can help parents choose the best path for their child’s early growth. Whether you're pregnant or have a toddler or preschool-aged child, these programs offer vital resources to support your family’s well-being and future success.