Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for the City of Oakland Head Start and Early Head Start.
Submitting Your Application
You can submit an application online, in-person, by mail or by email. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Acceptance into the program is based on need and not on application submission timing. Don't forget to include the necessary documents with your application.
Please do not hesitate to call us at (510) 238-3165 with any questions.
Filling Out Your Application
The first step in submitting your application to Head Start is determining eligibility. You also need to gather the necessary documents for the application.
Proof of Age
Head Start is available for children ages birth to five. To prove age of your child, please provide one of the following.
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Hospital Letter
- Social Services Letter
- Government document (Visa, Residence Card, Refugee, etc)
- Proof of pregnancy such as a doctor's note
Eligibility and Documentation
Families must meet one of the following categories. You do not need to meet every category, but respective documentation in each category is required.
- Low-Income: Please refer to the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for more information. You must submit proof of total Family Income from all income sources.
- Over-Income: Families within the over-income bracket (above 130% on poverty guideline chart) can apply.
- Public Assistance: If you use eligible public assistance programs (TANF (CalWORKS), a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFRESH, or Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI)), you do not need to submit income information. Instead, submit your public assistance statement.
- Homeless Family: If your family is experiencing homelessness, your family is eligible. You are not required to submit income information. Submit a Shelter or Social Services Agency Letter verifying homelessness.
- Foster Care: You are not required to submit income information. Submit a Social Services Letter, Court-Order, or foster care payment statement.
Find out more about the eligibility and documentation requirements to see if your child can attend Head Start.
Program Options
Head Start childhood education and care is available at three types of locations:
- Center-Based: At one of our locations throughout Oakland
- Home-Based: Weekly 90-minute educational visits to your home
- Family Child Care Providers: Education and care provided in licensed homes
You can rank which program options you want most. Find your nearest Head Start and Early Head Start Center.
How to Submit Your Application
Below, select the preferred method to fill out and submit your application and follow the instructions.