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 experiencing homelessness, have children with disabilities, or are 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
• Parent/guardian photo identification
• Proof of Broward County residence (domicile) within the past three months. Proof of address must match parent/guardian ID. If the Parent Guardian ID does not match the Proof of Address, you will need to provide two (2) proofs of address. 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

• Pay stubs with year-to-date income for full year (previous year)
• W-2 Forms (previous year)
• Income Tax Form 1040 (previous year)
• Unemployment Compensation Records
• Public Assistance records (TANF, W.A.G.E.S.) with amounts and dates received
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Award Letter/Benefit Verification Letter Only with full payment history for previous year or last 12 months
• Social Security Benefits (SSA) Award Letter/Benefit Verification Letter Only (retirement or disability)
• Notarized Letter of Financial Support from individual (not parent/guardian) living in the same home and supporting the family (download)
• Notarized Letter of Financial Support from individual not living in the same home and providing financial support to the family (download)
• Notarized Verification of Employemnt from employer (download)
• Veterans benefits records
• Child Support/Alimony records
• Worker’s Compensation records
• Military allotment records
• Training stipends
• Grants, fellowships, scholarships

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.