Head Start - Overview
Head Start is the most successful, longest-running school readiness program in the United States.  It provides comprehensive education, medical and dental services, mental health services, nutrition, social services, full inclusion of young children with disabilities and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.  Nationwide, more than 25 million preschool-aged children have benefited from Head Start.  Throughout the state of California, Head Start currently serves more than 98,000 children.

Head Start enrolls children age three to five years old or until the year prior to entering Kindergarten.  Options available to eligible families are:

• Full-time childcare for 3 – 4 years old. Full day childcare requires that parent(s) must be working or attending school full-time;

• Preschool services for 3 – 5 years old, 3½ hours per day, morning or afternoon session.

CFCS became a provider for the Head Start program in 1974.  As the number of people eligible for Head Start has grown, our program has grown to accommodate them and today includes more than 1000 children and families.  

Operating with partner agencies and organizations throughout our service area, CFCS is the largest Head Start provider in southern Alameda County.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for enrollment in the Head Start program:

• Household income must meet the Federal Poverty Level guidelines; Click here for more information

• The child must be age 3 to 5 years old;

• For full day childcare, parent(s) must be working or attending school full time.

Locations        
Our program sites are conveniently located throughout southern Alameda County in Fremont, Hayward, Newark, San Leandro and Union City.  To apply for the Head Start program, you can print out and complete the form below and bring it to the enrollment office.   

Enrollment Application Package
If you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you can apply for enrollment in the Head Start program.  To apply, print out the form below, complete it and bring it to the location shown above.

You will need to provide the child’s proof of birth date, proof of your household income, the child’s immunization record and proof of your current employment and/or school or training schedule.  Upon acceptance into the program, physical and dental examinations will be required and a Health History must be provided. 

Click below for an application...

Downloadable files:
Enrollment Form Pack - English (400k pdf)
Enrollment Form Pack - Spanish (450k pdf)