Orange County Head Start

Orange County Head Start offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs that include center-based options, an In-Home Program, and Prenatal Services. Each year, the program serves over 1,100 pregnant mothers, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers along with their families. The program provides comprehensive support services that include education, health screening, nutrition, family support, and training services for each child and family.

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Schedule: Main office hours Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm; center hours Monday–Friday with hours that vary by location
• Price: Programs are free for families who qualify and are funded by the federal government

Orange County Head Start, Inc. was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency. It is funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services to provide Head Start and Early Head Start services throughout all of Orange County, CA. The organization partners with the United States Department of Health and Human Services to deliver these programs and offers services to families with children who are homeless, in foster care, facing challenges with disabilities, receiving public assistance, or living at or below the poverty line. Over $25,000 worth of education, health screening, nutrition, family support, and training services are provided per child and family each year. The program’s mission states that it is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to thrive.

All teachers in the program are college educated and credentialed to work in California. Programs are available for pregnant women, children ages 0–3, and children ages 3–5. In addition to center-based Early Head Start and Head Start programs, the organization offers an In-Home Program and Prenatal Services.

To apply, families complete an application form and upload the child’s official birth certificate, proof of income, proof of an identified disability for the child if applicable, and the child’s official immunization record. The program’s services extend to pregnant mothers, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers along with their families each year.

Parents have shared that they are grateful for relationships built and information learned as parents in Orange County Head Start, and some have described their children as thriving in elementary school after participating. Parent and Policy Council representatives and leaders have also described feeling that their children are safe with teachers and staff, and some parents have gone on to volunteer, share information with other families, and take on leadership roles within the program.

Last updated July 26, 2026.