Head Start Eligibility Guidelines

ICCC Head Start provides services to families with children ages birth to 5 years old. Anyone can apply, but we prioritize families who receive Public Assistance, have a low income, or have a disability. A Head Start staff will follow up with you after you complete the online application to determine your family's priority. ICCC Head Start has a limited number of slots. Eligibility does not guarantee an automatic spot in Head Start.  

• Families are automatically eligible if they:
  • receive certain forms of Public Assistance (TANF/MFIP benefits, SNAP benefits, or Supplemental Security Income). Proof of benefits received is required to be eligible. 
  • are applying for a foster child. Proof of foster placement is required to be eligible. 
  • are currently homeless. No income verification is required, but a form must be filled out with Head Start staff. 
  • are applying for a child in kinship care where the child is living with friends or family instead of their legal guardians (no income verification is required, but a form must be filled out with Head Start staff.)
• Families who have a family income at or below the Federal poverty guidelines are eligible with income verification. The current guidelines are:
  

  2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines
  Family of 1	$15,060
  Family of 2	$20,440
  Family of 3	$25,820
  Family of 4	$31,200
  Family of 5	$36,580
  Family of 6	$41,960
  Family of 7	$47,340
  Family of 8	$52,720

• ICCC Head Start may also serve a limited number of families that are above the Federal Poverty Guidelines but below the following guidelines:

  A percentage of families may qualify using these guidelines
  Family of 1	$19,578
  Family of 2	$26,572
  Family of 3	$33,566
  Family of 4	$40,560
  Family of 5	$47,554
  Family of 6	$54,548
  Family of 7	$61,542
  Family of 8	$68,536

• 10% of our families may be completely over our income thresholds, but have significant concerns for their family / child.