Head Start
&
Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool (STEP)
The Loudoun County Public Schools Head Start and Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool (STEP) programs offer FREE full-day preschool opportunities for children who turn four (4) years-old by September 30th and meet eligibility criteria.
Both programs offer high-quality preschool instruction to prepare students for kindergarten. Classes are taught by a teacher and teacher assistant and are located throughout Loudoun County. Classes meet six (6) hours a day, Monday through Friday during the school year and enrollment is open now!
Your family may qualify for these programs if you:
reside in Loudoun County, Virginia, and
have a child who will be 4 by September 30, or 3 if you live in certain areas of Sterling or Western Loudoun, and
meet income guidelines, or receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and/or homeless per definition of the McKinney-Vento Act, or
parents did not graduate high school, or
have a child with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
Though families may qualify, spaces are limited and selection is based on need, not “first come, first served."
Head Start Income Guidelines 2025-2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Number in Family | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Weekly Income | Under-Enrolled Center/IEP Annual Income (350% Poverty) |
1 | $15,650 | $1,304 | $301 | $54,775 |
2 | $21,150 | $1,763 | $407 | $74,025 |
3 | $26,650 | $2,221 | $513 | $93,275 |
4 | $32,150 | $2,679 | $618 | $112,525 |
5 | $37,650 | $3,138 | $724 | $131,775 |
6 | $43,150 | $3,596 | $830 | $151,025 |
7 | $48,650 | $4,054 | $936 | $170,275 |
8 | $54,150 | $4,513 | $1,041 | $189,525 |
Each Add'l Member | $5,500 | $458 | $106 | $19,250 |
STEP Income Guidelines 2025-2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Number in Family | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Weekly Income | Under-Enrolled Center Annual Income (350% Poverty) |
1 | $31,300 | $2,608 | $602 | $54,775 |
2 | $42,300 | $3,525 | $813 | $74,025 |
3 | $53,300 | $4,442 | $1,025 | $93,275 |
4 | $64,300 | $5,358 | $1,237 | $112,525 |
5 | $75,300 | $6,275 | $1,448 | $131,775 |
6 | $86,300 | $7,192 | $1,660 | $151,025 |
7 | $97,300 | $8,108 | $1,871 | $170,275 |
8 | $108,300 | $9,025 | $2,083 | $189,525 |
Each Add'l Member | $11,000 | $917 | $212 | $19,250 |