Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is there no cost to the program?

Maricopa County Head Start and Early Head Start programs are no-cost programs for families with children birth to age five. The Head Start program is federally funded and designed to promote school readiness for children from low-income families, families with children with special needs, homeless families, children in Foster Care, teen parents, and grandparents or kin raising grandchildren or kin. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and families with children under age 3. Head Start programs serve children between 3 and 5 years old.

  1. What standards must be met for staff?
  1. What standards must be met for safety?
  1. What standards must be met for cleanliness?
  1. What standards must be met for programming?
  1. Are Head Start services offered to pregnant women?
  1. Besides the childcare aspects, what other services does Head Start provide to families?
  1. Can I bring a newborn to Head Start?
  1. What hours does the program operate?
  1. What is a typical schedule for the children’s day?
  1. How is your staff screened?
  1. What can my child expect to learn coming to Head Start?
  1. Where are the care centers located?
  1. How can I submit an application for Head Start or Early Head Start?