The Head Start program provides early education and comprehensive services to children and families in greatest need to prepare them for success in school and later in life. Head Start programs serve hundreds of thousands of children in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Tribal nations, and several U.S. territories. These programs operate in diverse geographic regions, from large urban areas to very remote rural communities.
The tables below display data on funding, funded slots, cumulative children served, and staff by state. Funded slots and cumulative enrollment may differ since cumulative enrollment represents all children enrolled throughout the program year (e.g., child turnover and transition).
The majority of funding is spent on staff, including teachers, assistant teachers, family service workers, home visitors, bus drivers, cooks, janitors, and many others necessary to operate the Head Start program. In addition to serving children living in poverty, these staff also serve a large number of children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, and with disabilities. Any remaining funds are spent on other necessary and allowable costs such as supplies and facilities.
Explore the data tables on this page to understand Head Start program services, children served, and staff across the country. To learn more, check out the Head Start Program Fact Sheets for yearly information around demographics, state allocations, program statistics, and general information on Head Start enrollment history.
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Data Source: 2023–2024 Program Information Report data pulled on Oct. 21, 2024, and administrative funding data from the Office of Head Start.
Last Updated: December 5, 2024