Why Apply for Head Start?
We support the whole child—learning, health, and social-emotional growth. We support all children, including those with special needs and disabilities. Head Start provides at no cost:
Healthy Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day to help your child grow, learn, and stay active.
School Supplies
Everything your child needs to be ready to learn every day — provided at no cost.
Health Support
Checkups and screenings to support your child’s health and well-being.
Family Services
Connect you to support and programs that can help your whole family.
In Head Start, your child will:
- Learn letters, words, and numbers
- Build social and emotional skills
- Get ready for kindergarten
- Learn in a safe and caring space
- Play outside when the weather permits
Head Startruns on the following schedule:
CLASS DAYS
Monday - Thursday
HOURS
8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Hours may vary at school-based locations.)
TRANSPORTATION
Free bus service to and from every site
HOLIDAYS
Follows standard holidays; may close for bad weather
For more information, visit: headstart.gov
Who Can Join?
You may qualify even if you work. See the easy list below — if you’re not sure, just call us and we’ll help you find out.
Families receiving SNAP benefits automatically qualify.
No income review needed — just apply.
Children can join who:
- Live in Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, or Ritchie counties
- Are age 4 by July 1 in Gilmer and Ritchie counties
- Are age 3 with an active IEP may also qualify
Your family may also qualify:
- Even if you work
- You get TANF or SSI benefits
- Your child is in foster care
- You and your child are unhoused
- Your child has an active IEP
Income Guidelines
You may qualify based on your household income:
- Number of People in Family
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8+
- How Much Money You Make
- $15,960
- $21,640
- $27,320
- $33,000
- $38,680
- $44,360
- $50,040
- For families with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each additional person.
How do I apply for the Head Start program?
Talk to your local Head Start program. They can tell you if your child qualifies and help you with the next steps.
Head Start Locations
Call or visit any of our six sites across the region. Staff are ready to help Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
About Us
Central WV Community Action is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Harrison and Lewis Counties with the vision of ending poverty in Central WV.
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