Head Start programs are administered by the Office of Head Start (OHS), within the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
OHS administers grant funding and oversight to about 1,600 public and private nonprofit and for-profit agencies that offer Head Start services in local communities. Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start grant recipients provide services in every U.S. state and territory, farmworker camps, and more than 150 tribal communities.
OHS also provides federal policy direction and training and technical assistance (TTA) system to help grant recipients deliver comprehensive services to eligible young children and their families. Learn more about Head Start services.
OHS was appropriated $12.27 billion in fiscal year 2024 . Of that amount, $11.86 billion was awarded directly to public agencies, private nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Tribal governments, and school systems to operate Head Start programs in local communities. To improve the quality of services provided by grant recipients, more than $254 million was directed to TTA. Half that amount was awarded directly to grant recipients to be used for local TTA; the other half funded the regional and national systems. Find additional funding details and program data in the Head Start Program Annual Fact Sheets .
To learn how to apply for a Head Start grant in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Locator section.
Technical Assistance
The Office of Head Start (OHS) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) system supports program staff in delivering quality services to children and families.
Policy
The Head Start Act and the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) define standards and minimum requirements for all Head Start services.
Grant Recipient Profiles and Reports
These profiles provide grant recipients with information regarding their performance and compliance with requirements governing Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Leadership
Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith is the acting director of the Office of Head Start (OHS) at the Administration for Children and Families.
History of Head Start
Explore key moments in Head Start history. Access archival photographs, videos, resources, and more.
Research
Research sponsored through Head Start funding over the past decade has provided valuable information to guide Head Start program operations and the field of early childhood programming and early childhood development.
OHS Organization
OHS has regional offices that support the administration of grants, oversight, and TTA to Head Start grant recipients.