Take the First Step Toward the 2026-2027 School Year!

There are many ways to contact us to apply for Capital Area Head Start. Please note that all of these options are just the first step toward enrollment. Taking any of these steps does not mean you or your child is enrolled for the school year.

• Call 717-541-1795
• Use the online application, available in English and Spanish
• Complete the online form to have one of our enrollment specialists contact you within 2 business days
• Make a referral (referring agencies)

Is My Family Eligible?

To be eligible for Capital Area Head Start or Early Head Start, you must:

• Be pregnant or have a child age 0-5 who is not yet eligible for kindergarten in the school district where you live
• Meet income guidelines for Head Start or Pre-K Counts (There is limited availability for families whose income falls between 100-300% of the federal poverty guidelines.)
• Must be a resident of Dauphin, Perry, or eastern Cumberland Counties, or Carlisle, PA

You will need to provide proof of age, family income, and residency at the time of enrollment, as well as up-to-date physical and dental exams, immunization records, and proof of insurance.

Please note that our preschool funders have required hours for programming. Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program and Head Start centers run 5.75 hours per day. Pre-K Counts centers run 5 hours per day.

What Do I Need to Enroll My Child?

In order to enroll your child in Capital Area Head Start, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Child’s birth certificate
• Proof of residency (PPL bill, water bill, UGI bill, or lease)
• Verification of income (SNAP benefits letter, front side of EBT card, W2 form for the year, SSI or Social Security benefit letter, child support documentation, retirement income, etc.)
• If required: PFA, custody, foster care, or guardianship orders
• Physical copy of all pages
• Immunization records
• Dental records
• Medical card (if the child has one)