Why Choose FCPS PreK and Early Head Start?
Our high-quality preschool programs provide a robust academic curriculum, operating Monday through Friday on the standard elementary school bell schedule. We provide breakfast, lunch, and a daily snack for all students.
Program Requirements:
Your family may qualify for PreK if you live in Fairfax County and your child will be 3 or 4 years old by September 30th. (Please note: spots for 3-year-olds are limited.)
Eligibility is based on economic and educational risk factors, including:
- Income eligibility
- Experience with homelessness or foster care
- Limited parent education
- Students receiving Special Education services
Important Information:
- Transportation: School bus transportation may be available for some PreK students
- Childcare: Parents are responsible for arranging any necessary before- or after-school care.
- Documentation: Families must provide paperwork to determine eligibility and additional registration documents if accepted.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines:
| Number in Family | 130% | 200% | 350% |
|---|
| 2 | $28,132 | $43,280 | $75,740 |
|---|
| 3 | $35,516 | $54,640 | $95,620 |
|---|
| 4 | $42,900 | $66,000 | $115,500 |
|---|
| 5 | $50,284 | $77,360 | $135,380 |
|---|
| 6 | $57,668 | $88,720 | $155,260 |
|---|
| 7 | $65,052 | $100,080 | $175,140 |
|---|
| 8 | $72,436 | $111,440 | $195,020 |
|---|
* Priority given to 4 year olds and students with multiple risk factors
Early Head Start (EHS) Program Requirements:
Your family may qualify for EHS if you:
- live in Fairfax County, Virginia in the geographical areas of Herndon, Reston or Springfield and
- are a pregnant woman or have a child between the ages of 0 and 2.5 years of age by September 30th and
- meet the following income guidelines, based on the Federal Government's Poverty Guidelines
Income Guidelines for Early Head Start:
Based on 2026 Federal Government Poverty Guidelines:
| Number in Family | Yearly | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|
| 2 | $21,640 | $1,803 | $416 |
|---|
| 3 | $27,320 | $2,276 | $525 |
|---|
| 4 | $33,000 | $2,750 | $634 |
|---|
| 5 | $38,680 | $3,223 | $743 |
|---|
| 6 | $44,360 | $3,696 | $853 |
|---|
| 7 | $50,040 | $4,170 | $962 |
|---|
| 8 | $55,720 | $4,643 | $1,071 |
|---|
Note: The application, eligibility, selection and enrollment of the PreK and EHS program is centrally managed at our Alan Leis Early Childhood Center in Falls Church; not at individual elementary schools. If you have a question about the application process or to check on the status of your application, please call our main office. English Line 703-208-7900.
Completing this application is the first step of the process. The application for your child cannot be processed until income verifications are received and a family interview is conducted with you over the phone or in-person.
Please complete all fields in order to help us process your application. Make sure you have included a phone number where we may reach you to follow up on your application to this program.
Our program serves residents of Fairfax County, Virginia.
When filling out your living address, please include apartment number, if applicable.
Make sure that the child's name on the application matches the child's name on their birth certificate.
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Certification Statement I understand that as an applicant for this program, I must provide information about my income. I understand that program staff reserve the right to review this information and make eligibility determinations for this program. I certify that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if, to the best of my knowledge, I provide fals or contradictory information, my child will not be found eligible for the FCPS/Head Start/Early Head Start program.