Who is Eligible?

There are two primary criteria to Head Start / Early Head Start eligibility:

1. Pregnancy or child’s age
2. Family status (income or other specified factors)

Pregnancy or child’s age

• Pregnant women are potentially eligible for Early Head Start
• Infants and toddlers and their families are potentially eligible for Early Head Start
• Preschool children (ages three to five) and their families are potentially eligible for Head Start

Family status (income or other specified factors)
Pregnant women, children ages birth to five, and their families, are eligible for Head Start / Early Head Start in Vermont if any one of the following criteria is met:

• the family income is within 100% of federal poverty guidelines (a limited number of families up to 130% of federal poverty guidelines can be served);  OR
• the family receives any of the following public assistance benefits:  Reach Up (RUFA), Childcare Subsidy, Family Support Subsidy, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI);  OR
• the prospective EHS / HS child or pregnant woman is in foster care;  OR
• the family is homeless.

Champlain Valley Head Start can also enroll a limited number of families who do not meet the conditions listed above.  Please fill out an application to determine whether your family qualifies for Head Start or Early Head Start!