Applications will be processed in the order they are received.
Online application for the upcoming school year 2026-27 is now open!
Head Start Offers:
Free preschool Monday through Friday from September to June.
Six classes for 4-year-old children operate full day for 6 hours.
School bus transportation to and from school as well as breakfast & lunch are provided.
Program Requirements:
Your family may qualify for the Head Start Program if:
- you live in Loudoun County, VA and have a child who will be 4 by September 30, and
- you meet income guidelines or receive public assistance (TANF, SSI, SNAP), or
- your child is in Foster Care or
- your family is experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act, or
- your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program)
Income Guidelines for Head Start:
Based on 2026 Federal Government poverty Guidelines published on January 16, 2026:
| Number in Family | Yearly | Monthly | Weekly |
| 2 | $21,640 | $1,803 | $416 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $2,277 | $525 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $2,750 | $635 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $3,223 | $744 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $3,697 | $853 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $4,170 | $962 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $4,643 | $1,072 |
STEP Program Offers:
Free preschool Monday-Friday, 6 hours and 20 minutes a day, based on home or day care address from August to June.
School bus transportation to and from school provided.
Program Requirements:
Your family may qualify for the STEP Program if:
- live in Loudoun County, VA and have a child who will be 4 by September 30, and
- your family meets income guidelines, or
- your family is experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act, or
- both parents did not graduate high school, or
- your child has an identified disability with an IEP
Income Guidelines for STEP:
Based on 200% poverty line *
| Number in Family | Yearly | Monthly | Weekly | Under-Enrolled Center Annual Income (Up to 350% Poverty) |
| 2 | $43,280 | $3,607 | $832 | $75,740 |
| 3 | $54,640 | $4,553 | $1,051 | $95,620 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $5,500 | $1,269 | $115,500 |
| 5 | $77,360 | $6,447 | $1,488 | $135,380 |
| 6 | $88,720 | $7,393 | $1,706 | $155,260 |
| 7 | $100,080 | $8,340 | $1,925 | $175,140 |
| 8 | $111,440 | $9,287 | $2,143 | $195,020 |
* If your family’s income is higher than these guidelines but your child has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) please proceed with an application.
If we are not able to fill a classroom with income eligible families, we may consider over-income families with an income up to 350% of Federal Poverty Line.
PLEASE FILL OUT EVERY QUESTION FULLY; BLANKS MAY LEAD TO A DELAY IN PROCESSING.
PRIMARY ADULT:
Please enter your living address in Loudoun County, Virginia
SECONDARY ADULT:
Click YES if there is another parent/guardian living in the home (including step-parents) or is listed on your child's birth certificate.
Number in Family:
The number of family members in the home: Parents/guardians + dependent children + anyone who is claimed on your taxes (like grandparents or grandchildren)
Gross Annual Income:
Parents' /Guardians' total annual income (what you earn in a year before taxes or expenses are taken out) from all sources including wages, tips, cash income and if applicable, child support, TANF, SSI, school grants, rental income, disability, and unemployment payments
The child you are applying to enroll:
Age Requirement for Head Start:
Your child must be
4 years old by September 30th or 3 years old by September 30th if you live in the Sterling area.
Age Requirement for the STEP Program: Your child must be
4 years old by September 30th
For income eligibility, please refer to the Income Guidelines above!
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- Your Address
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- Available Locations
Click a location on the map to see more info
PLEASE FILL OUT EVERY QUESTION FULLY; BLANKS MAY LEAD TO A DELAY IN PROCESSING.
For more information or for help filling out this application, call the Head Start/STEP Office at (571) 252-2110.
Completing an application for the program does NOT guarantee enrollment.