Frequently Asked Questions

What is Head Start?
Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school-readiness of preschool children from low-income families. Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote children's development through services that support early learning, health, and family well-being.

Head Start and Early Head Start are administered by the Office of Head Start (OHS), within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

ESC Region 19, one of 20 Regional Service Centers in Texas, is the grantee agency for the Head Start program in El Paso and Hudspeth counties.

ESCs map



What is ESC Region 19 Head Start?
ESC Region 19 Head Start is a federally-funded early childhood development and preschool program that promotes the school readiness and well-being of children from birth to age 5. There are 31 Head Start and Early Head Start centers located throughout 12 school districts in two counties - El Paso and Hudspeth. The program is funded to serve 3,983 preschool children (3- and 4-year-olds) and 392 infants and toddlers (0-36 months).