These resources cover how Head Start programs assess the needs of communities and recruit children and families most in need. They also provide insight on which program option best meets the needs of each child and family. Use these resources to develop eligibility services that ensure consistent and appropriate enrollment practices.
For more ERSEA resources, check out recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance.
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.
Log Number: ACF-OHS-PI-24-04 | Issuance Date: 05/13/2024
Log Number: ACF-OHS-PI-24-03 | Issuance Date: 05/13/2024
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.