Head Start / Early Head Start

This free high quality comprehensive early childhood and family engagement program is available for Income-eligible families in Miami-Dade County. We accept applications at any time of the year.

• Gather required documentation
  • Proof of age (birth certificate)
  • Proof of income (paystub, W2, public assistance, homeless or foster care)
  • Proof of Miami-Dade County residency (driver's license, utility bill or lease agreement)
  • Photo identification of parent or legal guardian
  • If child has a diagnosed disability, provide the Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) for Early Head Start or the Individual Education Plan (IEP) for Head Start.
    
    
• Complete the online application to its fullest
• Select a program
  • Head Start (3-5 years old)
  • Early Head Start (0-36 months) 

If you have already submitted an application online or are a returning parent, even if in the previous school year, please do not submit another application.

Complete an online application English or Spanish (New Families)

If you do not have access to a computer, download the Head Start / Early Head Start Application. 

• Head Start / Early Head Start application (English)
• Applicacion Para el Programa de Head Start / Early Head Start (Spanish)
• Demann Admisyon Pwogram Head Start / Early Head Start (Creole)
• Bring the required documents to a nearby location. Hours vary by location.
• Must meet poverty guidelines
• Read program description

I have already applied. When will I know if my child was accepted?
You will be notified in writing whether or not your child was accepted the summer before the program year.

Can I apply to more than one Early Head Start/Head Start Center?
No, you can only submit one application. 

I live in Broward or Monroe County. Can I enroll my child?
No, Head Start services are for families living in Miami-Dade County only. 

Early intervention helps children meet development milestones through a wide range of services. The Head Start / Early Head Start program provides an avenue for children with a suspected developmental delay and their families to receive targeted support and resources needed for children to catch up and increase their chances for success in school and life. In addition, the program accepts children with asthma, anemia, diabetes, physical or mental disability identified by a medical professional.

Services include:

• Screenings to assist with early detection of a possible developmental delay or health concern
• Referral to Local Education Agency and Local Early Steps for assessments and evaluation
• In-class support from qualified teaching staff while early intervention services are being established
• Development and implementation of an individualized plan to help children meet developmental milestones
• Transition from Early Head Start to Head Start and later into their local school district

The Community Action and Human Services Department's Head Start / Early Head Start program is the largest comprehensive early childhood education and development program of its kind in the southeastern United States, and was recognized as a Program of Excellence by the National Head Start Association.

The program focuses on the social, physical and emotional development of children from birth to 5 years of age, ensuring that children are school-ready. Each year, the program offers education, child development and family support services to nearly 7,000 children, expectant mothers and their families.

The program provides all children with a language-rich and supportive environment to develop strong early literacy, math, science and social skills that are necessary to succeed in school and life, while engaging parents in their children's educational experiences. The program utilizes an evidence-based curriculum that supports the implementation of national and local standards of development and school readiness through a hands-on approach. The program also offers enhancements in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) activities in the classroom and professional development opportunities for staff, teachers and teacher assistants.

Families are encouraged to be active participants in their child's educational experience, while getting involved in Head Start's planning and decision-making process. Parents can gain experience in leadership and community advocacy by serving on committees or representing their center on the County's Head Start Policy Council.

The Head Start / Early Head Start program includes the oversight of 17 delegate agencies in the provision of high-quality early childhood education in more than 350 classrooms, in over 90 locations across Miami-Dade County.

Bring the required documentation to a nearby location. Hours vary by location. 

Thank you for your interest in becoming an Early Head Start Partner with Miami Dade County. As part of the selection process, partners will need to adhere to the following requirements:

• Active DCF License
• Provide a minimum of 35 sqft. of indoor space per child and 75 sqft. of outdoor space per child
• Receive USDA funds for meals (breakfast lunch and snack) through participation in the Child Care Food Program.
• Have a minimum of two qualified teachers for every eight children and a maximum ratio of 1:4 children.
• Each teacher must have a minimum of a National Child Development Associate in infants and toddlers or its equivalency.
• Have groups of no more than eight children per classroom
• Serve children ages 0-3 years old
• Be able to provide 10 Hours per day 217 days per week of services to low income children
• Maintain compliance with health and safety standard