Policy Effective: July 1, 2025

The Department of Workforce Services encourages and supports Head Start and Child Care partnerships that enhance care and development for children. The Department of Workforce Services can provide parents with information on Head Start programs. The following is a guide on how state subsidized child care is paid when the child is enrolled in a Head Start program and a child care program. This applies to both Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

A child receives Head Start services at a child care center or a family child care home.

The Head Start services within a child care center or family child care home are offered as enhanced services in addition to the basic fundamental service of child care provided by the center or home.

The child care provider will bill the parent for child care services for the entire time the child is in the child care facility receiving basic fundamental services, including enhanced Head Start services. This applies to all children full or part-time.

The subsidy and co-payment will be based on the entire number of approved hours the child is in child care.

A child receives Head Start services at a Head Start program and child care services at a child care center or a family child care home.

Only the time the child spends with the child care provider determines the need for child care and the child care subsidy payment. The child care provider will bill the parent for child services for the time the child spends with the child care provider; including the time it takes to transport the child to and from the Head Start center. The 3 hours spent at the Head Start center will not be billed.

The subsidy and co-payment will be based on the number of approved hours above and beyond the 3 hours spent at the Head Start center.

A child receives Head Start services and child care services at a Head Start program.

Only the time the child spends in child care above and beyond the Head Start program is used to determine the need for child care and the child care subsidy payment. The Head Start program will bill the parent for child care services for the time the child is in its care above and beyond the 3 hours of Head Start services.

The subsidy and co-payment will be based on the number of approved hours above and beyond the 3 hours of Head Start services.