Home👶 Child & FamilyCalifornia Head Start and Early Head Start
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California Head Start and Early Head Start

Administered by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services / Local Grantees · cde.ca.gov

Federally funded comprehensive early childhood program providing free education, health, nutrition, and family support services for income-eligible children from birth to age 5 and pregnant women.

Eligibility requirements

  • Children from birth to age 5 in families with income at or below 100% FPL
  • Children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or receiving SSI/public benefits are automatically eligible
  • Enrollment through local Head Start agencies.

How to apply

Apply directly on the official website. GrantLantern does not process applications — we link you directly to the source.

Apply at cde.ca.gov

Opens the official source. GrantLantern is not affiliated with this program.

Program details sourced from official government and agency websites. Eligibility is determined by the administering agency — not GrantLantern. Verify current requirements at the official source before applying.

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