Office of Head Start (OHS)

Head Start programs support children's growth from birth to age 5 through services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes.

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IN THE NEWS September 30, 2026

HHS Awards Over $225 Million to Improve Head Start

The supplemental investments build on broader efforts to strengthen Head Start by putting nutrition, healthy development, and program flexibility back at the center of how ACF serves children and families.

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ARTICLE August 17, 2026

HHS Unveils Proposed Head Start Reforms to Expand Access and Empower Parents

Proposed Rule Could Create Up to 236,000 New Slots While Strengthening Focus on Health and Nutrition.Learn more about the rule to reduce federal burden for Head Start programs here.

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ARTICLE August 17, 2026

Enrollment Reductions (ACF-OHS-IM-26-01)

This Information Memorandum (IM) is intended to support timely and consistent decision-making while preserving the availability of Head Start Preschool (HSP) and Early Head Start (EHS) enrollment slots. The Head Start Act allows programs to propose a reduction of their funded enrollment to maintain quality services (Section 640(g)(3)).

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ARTICLE September 23, 2025

HHS Expands MAHA to Head Start Adding $61.9 Million to Nutrition Services for Children and Families

Landmark federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aims to transform healthy eating habits for the next generation of children.

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ARTICLE July 25, 2025

One-time Supplemental Funds for Nutrition and Healthy Eating for Head Start Children and Families

This Program Instruction outlines the process for Head Start grant recipients to request supplemental funds to promote nutrition services and healthy eating for enrolled children and families.

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ARTICLE March 18, 2025

Federal Funding Restrictions for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

The Office of Head Start will not approve the use of federal funding for any training and technical assistance or other program expenditures that promote or relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

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Programs & Services

Apply for Head Start Services

Contact the Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving your community for information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.

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Find a Job with Head Start

Search for Head Start and other early care and education jobs anywhere in the U.S. by selecting a state or region below.

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HeadStart.gov

Explore the Head Start website to find resources for getting young children and their families ready for school and life.

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