LSF Children and Head Start Services currently serves over 6,000 children and families in Duval, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, and Pinellas counties, making LSF the largest nonprofit Head Start Grantee in the Southeastern United States and one of the largest in the country.
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.
| 2023 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | |
|---|---|
| PERSONS IN FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD | POVERTY GUIDELINE |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,480 for each additional person. | |
| 1 | $14,580 |
| 2 | $19,720 |
| 3 | $24,860 |
| 4 | $30,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 |
| 6 | $40,280 |
| 7 | $45,420 |
| 8 | $50,560 |
Parents must provide the following documents when applying:
* 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.
A Family and Community Engagement Specialist will contact you within 3 to 5 business days to schedule an intake appointment.
The Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships serves 100 children (6 weeks up to 3 years old) and their families. Our child care partners are located in zip codes 33578, 33610, 33611, 33614, 33615, 33617, 33619, 33624, 33634, 33637.
In addition to the traditional Early Head Start comprehensive services (education, health/mental health, family engagement), our child care partners program also provides the following options:
Families interested in School Readiness must apply to Early Learning Coalition. Inquire about School Readiness at the time of your application.
Drop off the application at the main LSF Head Start office in your county:
Address: 3635 W. Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614
Phone: 813-676-9486
Lutheran Services Florida