San Antonio is accepting applications for its Head Start Preschool program for the 2026-2027 school year, providing early childhood education and family support services through local nonprofit centers and school districts. The program prioritizes families facing hardships and offers health services alongside educational support.
- The Head Start program serves children ages 3 to 5 for preschool and infants to 35 months for Early Head Start, with current applications open only for preschool.
- It is administered by the city's Department of Human Services in partnership with SAISD, EISD, and five nonprofit childcare centers.
- Priority is given to families experiencing homelessness, receiving SNAP or TANF benefits, foster children, those living with noncustodial family members, and children with disabilities or developmental delays.
- The program provides health services including immunizations, vision, dental, and hearing screenings, and supports families with housing, employment, and education resources.
- Applications can be submitted online at SAHeadStart.org, which offers application instructions and required documents.
San Antonio Head Start Offers Preschool Education and Family Support
The City of San Antonio is continuing to accept applications for its Head Start Preschool program for the 2026-2027 school year, offering eligible families access to early childhood education and comprehensive support services designed to prepare children for success in school.
Administered by the city’s Department of Human Services, the program serves children and families through five local nonprofit childcare centers and 30 elementary school campuses in partnership with the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and Edgewood Independent School District (EISD).
Head Start Offers Education and Family Support
The city’s Head Start program provides two early childhood education options:
- Early Head Start: Serves infants and toddlers ages 6 weeks through 35 months.
- Head Start Preschool: Serves children ages 3 to 5.
Applications are currently being accepted for Head Start Preschool only.
Although applications are open to all families, priority is given to households experiencing homelessness, families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, children in foster care, children living with noncustodial family members and children with diagnosed or suspected disabilities or developmental delays.
More Than Preschool: Health Services and Family Assistance
Beyond classroom instruction, Head Start connects children with essential health services while helping parents and caregivers access resources to improve household stability.
“Head Start provides comprehensive services for households and teaches children skills they need to be successful in school,” said Melody Woosley, director of the Department of Human Services.
In addition to education, Head Start helps facilitate critical health services like immunizations, vision, dental and hearing screenings, while also connecting with families and caretakers to provide support in meeting personal, housing, employment and education goals.
Melody Woosley, director of the Department of Human Services
The program is designed to address barriers that can affect a child’s readiness to learn, including access to healthcare, housing stability and family resources.
How San Antonio Families Can Apply
Families interested in enrolling their children for the 2026-2027 school year can submit applications online at SAHeadStart.org.
The website provides a list of required documents, frequently asked questions and instructions for completing the application process.
Additional enrollment information is available at SAHeadStart.org/How-to-Apply
