Head Start & Early Head Start

The Division of Early Learning administers the contract for and houses the Florida Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSSCO), a federally funded office that supports and works to improve collaboration between Head Start and educational, medical and social services providers in Florida.

The Head Start program provides intensive comprehensive child development and family support services to enrolled children, pregnant women and families.

Head Start serves families with children ages 3 to 5.

Early Head Start serves families with children under the age of 3 and pregnant women.

More than 40,000 families are served in these programs as well as Seasonal and Migrant Head Start and Seasonal and Migrant Early Head Start.

Eligible families include those experiencing homelessness, receiving public assistance (SNAP, TANF and SSI) and with incomes under the federal poverty guidelines. Children in foster care are also eligible.

Florida’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs are available through school districts, private providers, home-based programs, faith-based agencies, family child care homes, capital action agencies and other locally developed programs. In addition, some Early Head Start programs provide weekly visits and socialization opportunities for enrolled families.

Services include:

• Early learning and development
• Health and nutrition
• Family engagement and well being
• Social services

For more information and to locate a Head Start program, call 866-357-3239.