How We Work
Santa Clara County Office of Education
SCCOE's Early Learning Services (ELS) offers quality preschool education as part-time or full-day options for 3-5 year-olds. ELS provides infant & toddler education in full-day center based care, full-day family child care, and home visiting. ELS services are provided throughout Santa Clara & San Benito Counties.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Age Eligibility:
• Head Start - Your child must turn 3 yrs old and must not turn 5 yrs old by September 1st
• State Preschool - Your child must turn 3 yrs old and must not turn 5 yrs old by December 1st
• Early Head Start - From birth and not yet 3 yrs old
Children with Disabilities: If your child has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or for Early Head Start if your child has a current Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) you may be eligible for the program.
Eligibility:
- Your family is income eligible if your income meets the Federal Income Guidelines for Head Start or State Income Guideline for State Preschool.
- The child to be enrolled is in foster care
- The family is homeless (defined by McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act)


REQUIRED DOCUMENTSYour application must be complete and include copies of the following documents (documents will not be returned):
• Birth Certificate (for all siblings under 18 years old)
• Immunization Records
• TB Assessment and/or TB Test Results
• Income Verification - Documentation must reflect your current economic status and must include all sources of income received by the child's parents or guardians such as:
- 2 months of current pay stubs
- Latest Income Tax Return or W-2
- Unemployment Income
- Worker's Compensation
- Child Support
- Disability Income
- Proof of Supplemental Security Income (if applicable)
• Proof of Legal Custody (if child is in foster care)
• Homelessness Verification (if applicable and available)
• Current IEP (Head Start) or IFSP (Early Head Start) (if applicable)
• Full Time Employment or School/Training Verification (if you are requesting full day services)