Head start and early head start

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Fairfax County, Virginia $11.208 million on July 1, 2026 under the Head Start program (CFDA 93.600) to deliver comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to low-income children and families across Virginia through June 30, 2031.

Head Start enhances cognitive, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional development of children through educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services. The program serves children from birth to five years and expectant parents, preparing vulnerable young children for school readiness while engaging parents as partners in child and family development.

Fairfax County Government's Department of Finance received the award as the prime recipient and pass-through agent. The county sub-awarded Head Start and Early Head Start services through two sub-recipients. Fairfax County Public Schools operates 242 funded Head Start slots and 48 Early Head Start slots (sub-award 03CH013590-FCPSHSEHS27, awarded July 28, 2026). Higher Horizons Day Care Center, operating as Higher Horizons Head Start, operates 88 funded Head Start slots and 24 Early Head Start slots (sub-award 03CH013590-HIHOHSEHS27, awarded July 1, 2026), serving approximately 140 children annually in the Fairfax County area with focus on income-eligible families.

The five-year performance period runs through June 30, 2031. Work is performed in Virginia.