Eligibility is the first step and a key component in implementing ERSEA services. These strategies and guiding questions help programs identify and enroll children and families with the greatest need.

These FAQs explain how Head Start programs can use a housing adjustment to factor in high housing costs in income eligibility assessments, with guidelines on documentation, costs covered, and application flexibility.

This resource clarifies eligibility duration requirements or children younger than 3 who are served by Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs.

In this webinar, learn about the new Head Start eligibility criteria for children in Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs. Head Start leaders discuss how the provisions impact MSHS programs.

This PI describes changes to eligibility requirements for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) recipients. The new provision expands opportunities for MSHS programs to more effectively serve migrant families.

This PI describes changes to eligibility criteria for American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start recipients. It provides flexibility to determine which children should be eligible and prioritized for services.

Read Director Garvin’s letter on the changes to Head Start eligibility criteria for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs.

On March 23, 2024, President Biden signed into law provisions giving Head Start programs additional flexibility to serve children in tribal communities and children of farmworkers.

This page includes informational resources about the additional flexibility to serve children in tribal communities and children of farmworkers.

Use these reference charts to identify the types of documents that can be used to verify Head Start eligibility.