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applying for Head Start / Early Head Start

Head Start offers quality early education designed to prepare your child for school and life.

Every child deserves the best start she or he can have, no matter their circumstances. Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) has, for more than 30 years, provided the highest quality early childhood education to children who otherwise might have been left behind.

The first five years of a child’s life are absolutely essential in preparing her or him for a healthy, happy, and successful future. When children receive the quality early childhood education they deserve, not only do children fare better, but communities do, too.

Children in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Duval, and Palm Beach counties are served by LSF. For more than 30 years, we have been the leading provider of early childhood education, offering comprehensive education, family services, disability assistance, and health and nutritional services to all eligible children and families.

step 1

Find out if you eligible

Families must meet current Federal Poverty Guidelines in order to qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start. Foster children who are age eligible may qualify regardless of their family’s income.

The following guideline figures represent annual income.

2018 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia

Persons in family/household Poverty guideline
1 $12,140
2 16,460
3 20,780
4 25,100
5 29,420
6 33,740
7 38,060
8 42,380

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,320 for each additional person.

step 2

Gather Required Documentation

Parents must provide the following documents when applying:

  1. Birth Certificate (Proof of Guardianship/Custody if applicable)
  2. Proof of Residency
  3. Proof of Income for the past 52 weeks or previous calendar year (i.e. pay stubs, W-2, 1040, statement from employer, etc.)
  4. Documentation of child’s disability (if applicable)
  5. Photo Identification of Parent

* Though not required at time of application, the child’s up-to-date physical exam and shot record must be on file prior to placement at a chosen center or family child care home.

step 3

Fill out the application

Drop off the application at the main LSF Head Start office in your county:

Address: 3027 San Diego Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32207

Phone: 904-423-8637

Address: 3635 W. Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614

Phone: 813-676-9486 or visit the office at

Address: 2210 Tall Pines Drive, Largo, FL 33771

Phone: 727-547-5979

Address: 3230 Commerce Place, Suite A, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Phone: 561-233-1600

Address: 301 SW 8th Street, Belle Glade, FL 33430

Phone: 561-996-1718

LUTHERAN SERVICES FLORIDA CENTRAL SERVICES | 3627 W. WATERS AVE | TAMPA, FL 33614 | PHONE: (813) 875-1408 | FAX: (813) 875-1302


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