Selection & Acceptance

Early Head Start

(Prenatal Parents & Children Ages Birth through 3)

  • 2026-2027 Program Year (September 2026-August 20276)

    • Accepting New Applications

    • Slots available in most counties, priority given to families who meeting Income Eligibility criteria.

  • 2027-2028 Program Year (September 2027-May 2028)

    • Applications Open March 2027 Online

Head Start Preschool

(Blended Classrooms: Ages 3 through 5)

  • 2026-2027 Program Year (September 2026-May 2027)

    • Accepting New Applications through March 2027

    • Slots available at most locations

  • 2027-2028 Program Year (September 2027-May 2028)

    • Applications Open March 2027 Online

Acceptance Letter Timelines

All communication regarding selection status will be sent to via email to participant’s caregiver on file. Message will arrive from SchoolMessage@ChildPlus.net. Please contact the Administrative Office or your local Center for any questions or concerns.

Head Start Preschool Acceptance Letter Schedule

  • June: Acceptance letters will be emailed to returning Head Start Preschool participants and current Early Head Start participants transitioning to Head Start Preschool in the fall, pending verification of eligibility.

  • July: Acceptance letters will be emailed to selected new participants from the 2025-2026 waitlist who meet the income and age eligibility requirements.

  • August: Acceptance letters will be sent to all returning, transitioning, and new applicants who have been selected. These letters will include detailed information about class teacher placement and Enrollment Week processes.

  • September: Participants will continue to be selected as space becomes available based on their eligibility for the program. No over-income new participants may be selected until all income-eligible applicants have been placed and the second week of programing has completed.

Early Head Start Acceptance Letter Schedule

  • June: Acceptance letters will be emailed to returning Early Head Start participants to identify program placement within the EHS Home-Based or EHS Center-Based programs.

  • July-August: Acceptance letters will be emailed to selected new participants as space if available in programs.

  • September: Participants will continue to be selected as space becomes available based on their eligibility for the program. No over-income new participants may be selected until all income-eligible applicants have been placed and the second week of programing has completed.