Now Accepting Applications
Apply for the 2026-27 school year.
Complete the online application or download and complete a paper application. The same application is used for both Early Head Start and Head Start.
Apply Online
Complete the 2026-27 online application for Early Head Start or Head Start.
Online ApplicationForms & Applications
Access application forms, referral forms, physical forms, dental forms, prenatal forms, and immunization forms.
View FormsProgram Options
Early education and family support for every stage.
CAP’s Head Start program options support expecting mothers, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and families through education, home visits, school readiness, health resources, and family support.
Early Head Start: Home Visiting Program
Early Head Start is for children birth to 3 years and expecting mothers. Weekly home visits occur with a Family Educator for approximately 90 minutes.
The program is flexible and designed around the needs of your family. Early Head Start focuses on promoting parent and child relationships, setting and achieving goals, early childhood education, parenting skills, health, and safety.
Twice a month, socialization events are offered as a time to connect with other families in the program and explore events in the community.
Head Start: Center-Based Preschool
Head Start is a center-based, play-based preschool program for children ages 3-5 that focuses on the whole family.
A partnership between teaching staff, family service staff, and parents is created to provide the school readiness skills and tools needed for the whole family to be successful.
Head Start is a full-day program, and students receive two healthy meals and one healthy snack in the classroom. Head Start does not provide transportation, so families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up each day.
Hear From Head Start Families
Watch these short videos to learn how CAP Agency’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs support children, parents, and families.
Services Provided
Support for children and families.
Both Early Head Start and Head Start provide services that support early learning, family well-being, health, and development.
Health & Wellness
Oral and physical health education and services for children and families.
Early Learning
Developmentally appropriate curriculum and school readiness support.
Social-Emotional Support
Social-emotional education and support for children and families.
Family Events
Parent meetings and family fun events that build connection and support.
Home Visits
One-on-one home visits that provide resources and parent support.
Inclusive Support
Children with medical or developmental needs are welcomed and supported.
Eligibility
Serving families with the highest need.
Early Head Start and Head Start’s goal is to serve families in our communities with the highest need. Families are automatically eligible if they meet at least one of the criteria below. Enrollment is not guaranteed regardless of how you qualify.
Families may qualify by:
- Receiving Public Assistance, including MFIP cash assistance, SNAP, or SSI.
- Experiencing homelessness.
- Being the current foster family of the child you are applying for.
- Living at or below the current Federal Poverty Level, 100% or below.
There are a few over-income spots available for families that fall within the 100%-130% income range.
| Family Size | 100% Annual Income | 130% | 150% | 185% | 200% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $20,345 | $23,475 | $28,952.50 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $27,495 | $31,725 | $39,127.50 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $34,645 | $39,975 | $49,302.50 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $41,795 | $48,225 | $59,477.50 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $48,945 | $56,475 | $69,652.50 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $56,095 | $64,725 | $79,827.50 | $86,300 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $63,245 | $72,975 | $90,002.50 | $97,300 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $70,395 | $81,225 | $100,177.50 | $108,300 |
Families must have an annual income at or below 100% to be income eligible for Head Start.
If families are at or under 130%, then the child may have a possibility of enrolling as an over-income child. Spots for over-income enrollment are limited.
Need Application Help?
Please contact us at 651-322-3500, option 2, or email with questions or assistance completing an application.
Call 651-322-3500 Email Head StartAdditional Resources
Helpful resources for families.
County Resources
Program Resources
Head Start Partners
- Parent Aware: CAP Agency’s Head Start program is a 4 Star Parent Aware program.
- National Head Start Association: Supports the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education.
- Minnesota Head Start Association: Advocates for low-income families and high standards of service for young children.
Ready to apply?
CAP’s Early Head Start and Head Start programs are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. For questions or help completing an application, call 651-322-3500, option 2.
Apply Now Email Head Start Back to Get HelpThis website is supported by Grant Number 05CH013035 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website, including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, policies, and any services or tools provided. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Scott-Carver-Dakota CAP Agency and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.