Full day full year programs: This option operates year round with a short summer and winter break (about 2 weeks each) and are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
School day programs: This program is at select elementary schools that operate when Fairfax County Schools are in session.
Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start operates a full-day, full-year program for children from birth to age five for families in the south end of Fairfax County. Preschool and infant/toddler services are provided in the center-based option.
Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start
Gum Springs Children’s Center
8100 Fordson Road
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-799-5760
Offers Head Start and Early Head Start center-based option in the Route 1 area.
Higher Horizons operates a full-day, full-year program for children from birth to age five in the Bailey’s Crossroads area. Preschool and infant/toddler services are provided in the center-based option.
Higher Horizons Day Care Center, Inc.
5920 Summers Lane
Bailey’s Crossroads, VA 22041
703-820-2457
Offers Head Start and Early Head Start center-based in the Annandale and Falls Church areas.
Apply
Fairfax County Public Schools operates a school-year program for preschool children across the county during the school year. The Fairfax County Public Schools Early Head Start program is operated full-day, full-year in the Herndon/Reston and Springfield area. Preschool and infant/toddler services are provided in the center-based option.
Fairfax County Public Schools
Alan E. Leis Center
7423 Camp Alger Avenue
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-208-7900, Español 703-208-7901
Offers Head Start and Early Head Start center-based option throughout Fairfax County.
Apply
Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages three to five in families with low income. Head Start helps prepare children for success in school through:
Your family may be eligible for Head Start services if your family's income is determined to be at, or below, poverty level. Families are selected based on need. Programs may enroll some children from families whose incomes are higher than the federal poverty level if they meet other eligibility requirements. Families with circumstances such as homelessness, children in foster care, or receiving TANF, SNAP or SSI also qualify for services. Families must provide proof of income, proof of residency and proof of age. Application forms and documents required may vary slightly by location.
Eligibility Process
Examples of required eligibility documents (for detailed info, call program):
Although there are many Head Start slots available throughout the county, there may be a waiting list for services, depending on the time of year and specific location. If your family is placed on a waiting list, it means that while you are eligible to participate in the program, you may be selected if and when space becomes available.
Once enrolled, children will be placed in a Head Start program and will begin to receive services.
