Online Application for Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start are programs where children and families are educated, challenged and empowered to embrace their potential for success in life. One child, one family at a time.

Head Start is a federally funded, non-profit program dedicated to providing quality school readiness and family support services to those of low income.

HEAD START is a preschool and child development program for children 3-5 years of age. We offer duration classes which operate Monday-Friday with varied staggered start and end times with 6.5 hours of contact time at all our locations. We also offer part day classes which operate Monday-Thursday for 3.5 hours per day in Burlington and Monday – Friday (no Wednesdays) in Keokuk.

EARLY HEAD START is a child care and child development program for infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years of age). Early Head Start provides prenatal education to pregnant mothers and their partners with a slot reserved for the baby until they are delivered and able to start attending. This program offers 7 hours of care per day. Classroom operating hours vary and are influenced by family work/school schedules.

There is NO COST for families who participate in our programs, however, families must meet income requirements to participate.

Families of children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and/or families on SNAP, FIP, or SSI are encouraged to apply.

We also provide services to children with disabilities and special needs in partnership with local school programs and area education agencies.