In order to be eligible for the Head Start Program, the following must apply:

• Head Start children must be 3-or 4-years-old on or before September 1st of the current year
• Family income must be at or below the US Department of Health & Human Services Poverty Guidelines to qualify for the program
• Applications must be completed by parent/guardian ONLY

Families that are receiving public assistance, experiencing homelessness, have children with disabilities, and foster care parents are encouraged to apply

Documents Needed To Apply

• Proof of age (child’s ORIGINAL birth certificate or foreign passport)
• Proof of guardianship, if applicable Affidavit of Person Acting as Parent with a notarized letter from the natural parent or court documentation
• Parent/guardian government issued photo identification
• Proof of Broward County residence (domicile), if you are sharing housing and do not have proof of residence, please complete the Affidavit of Shared Housing form English| Spanish | Haitian/Creole | Portuguese
• Proof of ALL HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEAR OR PAST 12 MONTHS
  

Examples of acceptable income documentation for each family member

• Public Assistance records (TANF cash assistance, SNAP food assistance, Supplemental Security Income [SSI]) award letter or printout showing eligibility/amounts and dates received.

OR 

• Social Security Benefits (SSA) Award Letter/Benefit Verification Letter Only (retirement or disability)
• Income Tax Form 1040 (previous year)
• W-2 Forms (previous year)
• Pay stubs with year-to-date income for the full year (previous year or past 12 months)
• Notarized Employment Verification from employer (download)
• Unemployment Compensation Records
• Veterans benefits records
• Child Support/Alimony records
• Worker’s Compensation records
• Military allotment records
• Training stipends
• Grants, fellowships, scholarships

 Other Documents if Applicable

• Diagnosis documentation of medical conditions 
• Documented mental health conditions
• Documented conditions that impact the child's education
• Outside speech, language, and behavioral plans
• Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

Please be aware of the following: Broward County Head Start/Early Head Start has a limited number of available slots and applying does not guarantee that your child will be enrolled. Enrollment is based on eligibility and the needs of the child/family. To be accepted, your child needs to meet the age and income requirements. Please read these guidelines before starting the online application. For more information, please email us at headstart@browardschools.com or call 754-321-1961.