How We Work            ​          

Thank you for your interest in the Head Start / Early Head Start Program. Our program offers part day and full day preschool and family services in various locations throughout Santa Clara and San Benito Counties.

To qualify for our services your child must be age eligible AND your family must either be income or categorically eligible.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• For Head Start - Your child must turn 3 yrs old AND must not turn 5 yrs old by September 1st
  

• For Early Head Start - From birth and not yet 3 yrs old

Income Eligibility: Your family is income eligible if your income meets the Federal Income Guidelines listed below: Read more​

Categorical Eligibility: Your family is eligible if you are in any of the following categories

• The child to be enrolled is in foster care
  

• The family is homeless (defined by McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act​)

Children with disabilities: Income eligibility requirements for Head Start may be waived (until program has reached 10% enrollment of children with special needs) 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).

Income eligibility requirements for Head Start may be waived (until program has reached 10% enrollment of children with special needs) 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).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Your application must be complete and include copies of the following documents (documents will not be returned):

• Birth Certificate

• 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:

  • Current pay stubs showing last two (2) months worth of income

  • Letter from employer stating hours worked per week and pay rate (only if unable to provide pay stubs)

  • Latest Income Tax Return or W-2 (if seasonally employed, self-employed, or if unable to provide pay stubs; must reflect current economic status)

  • Unemployment Income

  • Worker's Compensation

  • Child Support

  • Disability Income

• Proof of Legal Custody (if child is in foster care)

• Notice of Action (if receiving CalWORKs)

• Proof of Supplemental Security Income (if applicable)

• 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)

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

Once you have completed the application, you may submit your materials in one of the following ways:

• Call the office to ask for directions to the center nearest you
• Deliver in person or by mail to: 

​                            Santa Clara County Office Education

                   Early Learning Services - Head Start Program​

                                 1290 Ridder Park Dr., MC 225 

                                     San Jose, CA 95131-2304

You will be contacted by mail once your application has been processed.

If you have any questions please call (408) 453-6900 or (800) 820-8182, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.