Apply to Head Start

Please submit your completed application with the necessary documents (explained below) to the Head Start Central Enrollment Office at 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 5352, Oakland, CA 94612.

If you are unable to send your application by mail, please email your completed application to ERSEA@oaklandca.gov. To protect your privacy, please cover your Social Security Number and/or Driver's License Number.

For more detailed information, please download our cover letter and application form (linked at the top of this page). Find out if your child can attend Head Start and see a list of program options. If you have any questions, please call us at (510) 238-3165.

Please provide one of the following.

• Birth Certificate, Passport, Hospital Letter, Social Services Letter, Government document (Visa, Residence Card, Refugee, etc), among others
• Proof of pregnancy for Pregnant Mother Applications

Families must meet one of the following categories. Find out if your child can attend Head Start.

• Income: Please refer to Federal Poverty Guidelines for more information. You must submit proof of TOTAL Family Income from ALL income sources.
• Public Assistance: Submit a TANF (CalWORKS) Statement, a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFRESH) Statement, or Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI) Statement.
• Homeless Family: Submit a Shelter or Social Services Agency Letter verifying homelessness. Ask a staff member for a Housing Survey Form if you are homeless or would like to know if you meet the definition of homelessness according to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
• Foster Care: Submit a Social Services Letter, Court-Order.
• Over-Income: Families that do not meet the 4 categories above are welcome to apply. Families with a child(ren) with an IEP/IFSP and are over-income will receive priority over other over-income eligible families.