Head Start

  • The Head Start program provides eligible preschool children in Allegheny County with high quality, comprehensive, in-home or classroom programming designed to support school readiness skills. The program offers education services that include health and wellness information, education, social services, and family engagement.
A man gestures to a group of children sitting before him.

  • Eligibility

    • Children ages 3-5 who are not eligible for Kindergarten
    • Households currently receiving TANF cash, SSI, are homeless, or a foster parent for children ages 3-5
    • Households that meet income guidelines (up to 100% of the federal poverty level)
       

    How Do I Start The Process?

    Call 412-394-4594 or Click here to complete our online pre-application form

    Service Delivery

    Classrooms operate full-day. Head Start classrooms provide: 

    • Highly qualified staff
    • A research-based curriculum that will help your child grow academically and socially
    • Regular home-school communication about your child’s progress and other topics that matter most to you as a parent
    • Activities and experiences to ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten 

    Home based services provide:

    • Highly qualified staff
    • Weekly 90-minute visits in the home
    • Parents as Teachers curriculum that supports you as the parent as well as your child's developmental growth
    • Opportunities for socialization two times per month in a Head Start classroom
    • Child assessments and individualized lessons to meet your child's educational goals

    Documentation needed to complete the application packet

    • Birth Certificate or other proof of birth
    • Verification of income (tax documents, 2 pay stubs, SSI, or TANF letters)
    • Immunization records
    • Disability documentation (if applicable)
    • Custody or court documents (if applicable)
    • Health insurance card (if available) 
       

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    Head Start Annual Report

    Click here to get a copy of our 2022 Head Start Annual Report

    Resources

  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and student who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. Click the links below for more information.