Early Head Start
Early Head Start serves children from birth to age 3, and pregnant women. It also provides free child development and family support services to eligible low-income families.
Families qualify for Head Start program if the household income is at or below the poverty level.
Families who receive public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP), and those with children in foster care or children who are homeless, also qualify regardless of income.
Learn about Early Head Start and apply on the Early Head Start website.
Head Start
Head Start serves children from ages 3 to 5. It also provides free child development and family support services to eligible low-income families.
Families qualify for Head Start program if the household income is at or below the poverty level.
Families who receive public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP), and those with children in foster care or children who are homeless, also qualify regardless of income.
Learn about Head Start and apply on the Head Start website.
Learn about other types of child care
A child care center is a place where many kids are cared for by trained adults. They usually have classrooms and take care of children of different ages. Children are usually separated by age groups.
Home-based child care is when a caregiver takes care of a group of children in their home. They are more of a family setting and take care of children of different ages. Siblings may be together rather than separated by age.
Public prekindergarten (Pre-k) is a free program for eligible children ages 3 to 5 (where it’s offered). It is available through the public school system. Pre-k helps kids get ready for school by learning important skills.
School-age and summer camps are for children who are in school, usually ages 5 to 12. These programs may take care of kids before and after school, on school breaks, and during the summer.
Military families can use regular child care programs, and they may also qualify for special programs made just for them. These programs can help with finding care and may lower the cost.
Relative child care is when a relative family member takes care of a child, usually in their own home but sometimes in the child’s home. Only certain relatives can provide this care. The relative must pass background checks, have their home inspected, and be listed with HHSC CCR.