Head Start
Accessing Early Education
The first five years of a child’s life are the most important to their brain development. Head Start is a comprehensive early learning education program that supports the development of children from low-income families during these critical early years. The program prepares children for school through early education, health and nutrition screenings, family support, and social services, while fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth for lifelong success.
Head Start Details & Eligibility Requirements
Head Start is available at no cost for eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Prenatal services are also available.
We welcome children with special needs and those learning English.
Children receive developmental, behavioral, vision, and hearing screenings. Families are supported with access to medical and dental care, and nutritious meals and snacks every day.
We prepare children for kindergarten and beyond, addressing learning gaps, especially in language. Our goals align with the Head Start Framework, state standards, and local school expectations.
Head Start uses the research-based Creative Curriculum to help children grow in social-emotional skills, physical development, language, cognitive skills, literacy, and math.
Through home visits, we guide families in creating learning environments at home. Families can attend parent meetings and join the policy council to shape the program and build leadership skills.
Eligibility Requirements
Services are available to Washington County, Oregon residents for children from birth to age 5.
Pregnant people may qualify for Early Head Start services.
Priority is given to families with incomes below 100% of the federal low-income poverty guidelines, as well as those receiving SNAP, TANF, or Social Security Income, children experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care.
Please provide proof of family income from the past 12 months. Here are some examples of accepted documents:
W-2 or tax forms
Employer letter with employment dates and wages
Pay stubs (12 months)
Verification of unemployment payments
Child support documentation
Social Security Benefits
Income Declaration Statement
Award letter for children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or from families receiving public assistance (SNAP, TANF, or SSI).
We reserve at least 10% of enrollment spots for children with disabilities and special needs. In partnership with Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD), we offer classroom help and operate special classrooms staffed by Head Start teachers and NWRESD educational assistants.
Applications may take up to 6 weeks to process. We’ll verify your eligibility and add you to the waitlist based on priority. When a spot opens, we’ll contact you.
Apply Now
Apply online with the buttons below, or by email with a PDF application (Spanish version), emailing it to HeadStart@caowash.org or mailing it to Head Start 1001 SW Baseline St., Hillsboro, OR 97123.
You’ll need to include proof of family income and the child’s birth certificate.
Head Start Program Options
Full Year in Hillsboro (ages 6 weeks-5 years): September to August
Early Head Start (ages 6 weeks–3 years) and Pre-K (ages 3–5 years): Programs run Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. from September to August at the Hillsboro Child Development Center. Families at this location need to qualify for the Employment Related Daycare (ERDC) program through the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Full Year Home-based (ages prenatal–3 years): September to August
Early Head Start (prenatal–3 years): Weekly home visits and twice-monthly socialization events are offered for families and children year-round.
Part-year Pre-K at multiple locations (ages 3-5 years): September to May
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6 hours and 45 minutes per day. Class times vary by location. Programs run from September to May.
Multiple locations: Classrooms in public schools across Washington County, plus St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Beaverton Child Development Center, and Hillsboro Child Development Center.
*Special Program: Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (ages 0-5 years):
For children birth to 5 years old, this program offers two class days per week to support bonding between children and their mothers.
In-person services depend on Department of Corrections guidelines.
This website is supported by Grant Number 10CH011605 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Community Action and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.