Enroll Today!
We’re so glad you are considering Head Start for your child’s early childhood education. We believe it’s one of the best decisions you can make for a child. We serve low-income families in Leslie, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties. All Head Start services are provided at no cost to families. Head Start is a federally funded preschool program and covers all expenses for qualifying children and families.
Eligibility Criteria
There are many criteria that are considered for children and families to be deemed eligible for Head Start services, including household income. When you apply, you will be asked to include family financial information. We strongly encourage all families to apply for Head Start and we will work with you on eligibility questions. Children are selected through eligibility requirements regardless of race, creed, color or disability conditions.
2024 Poverty Guidelines
| Number in Family | County Pre-School 160% | Eligible 130% | Eligible 100% | Eligible 25% Below | Eligible 50% Below | Eligible 75% Below |
| 1 | $24,096 | $19,578 | $15,060 | $11,295 | $7,530 | $3,765 |
| 2 | $32,704 | $26,572 | $20,440 | $15,330 | $10,220 | $5,110 |
| 3 | $41,312 | $33,566 | $25,820 | $19,365 | $12,910 | $6,455 |
| 4 | $49,920 | $40,560 | $31,200 | $23,400 | $15,600 | $7,800 |
| 5 | $58,528 | $47,554 | $36,580 | $27,435 | $18,290 | $9,145 |
| 6 | $67,136 | $54,548 | $41,960 | $31,470 | $20,980 | $10,490 |
| 7 | $75,744 | $61,542 | $47,340 | $35,505 | $23,670 | $11,835 |
| 8 | $84,352 | $68,536 | $52,720 | $43,290 | $28,860 | $13,180 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons/people, add $5,380 for each additional person.
Application Process & Deadlines
We encourage parents to start the enrollment process by completing our Head Start pre-registration application at the link below. A LKLP Head Start staff member will reach out to you for an interview and can help guide you on any eligibility questions. At the time of enrollment, you must present the following information:
- Current Verification of Income
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Current Immunization Record
- Medicaid Number (if applicable)
LKLP Head Start accepts applications on a year-round basis. While there is no deadline to apply, we encourage you to submit an application as soon as possible in order to secure your child’s spot. Head Start staff will follow-up with you about eligibility and any potential openings. We maintain a waitlist of all eligible children throughout the year. Spots open up in classrooms for many reasons. If your child is on the waitlist, you will be notified as soon as your child’s place on the waitlist is up.