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Purpose of the Eligibility Screener

This free screener helps families check if they might qualify for the following early childhood programs in Texas: 

  • Child Care Services (CCS)
  • Early Head Start
  • Head Start
  • Public Prekindergarten (Pre-k)

By answering a short set of questions, you'll get help on which program(s) might be available for your child and what to do next. It takes less than 15 minutes to finish. Go To Screener

Have questions about the eligibility screener? Find answers to common questions here to help you understand how it works and if it’s right for you. Frequently Asked Questions 

Quickly compare your early learning options and find the best fit for your family. Programs At a Glance

How It Works

  1. Answer questions about your child and your family situation.
  2. Based on your responses, we’ll let you know which programs you may qualify for.
  3. You’ll get information on how to apply or who to contact for help. 

Families can find out which program(s) might be right for their children and what steps to take next. It takes less than 15 minutes to finish.

What You’ll Need to Answer

To complete the screener, you’ll need to know: 

  • Child’s date of birth (for each child in the household)
  • Your household size and living situation
  • Monthly income for each adult in the household and housing expenses
  • If your family receives TANF, SSI, SNAP, or additional support
  • Work, school, or training status for each adult in the household
  • If each child:
    • Is in foster care
    • Is experiencing homelessness
    • Has a disability or special need
    • Has a parent in the military
    • Speaks or understands English

Eligibility for Programs 

Child Care Services (CCS)

A child may qualify if the child lives in Texas and is:

  • Either younger than 13 years old, or under 19 years old with a disability
  • A U.S. citizen or legal immigrant

AND one or more of the following applies to your household:;

  • Your family lives in Texas and:
    • Meets income limits (at or below 85% of the State Median Income) and
    • Has less than $1 million in assets
    • Needs child care so you can work, search for a job, or take part in school or job training
  • Your family is experiencing homelessness
  • The child has a deployed military parent, and the household meets the income limit

Early Head Start

A child may qualify if the child lives in Texas and is:

  • between the ages 3 to 5 and the child’s family is considered low income according to the federal Poverty Guidelines
  • In foster care
  • Experiencing homelessness
  • Living in a household receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP)
  • A U.S. citizen or legal immigrant

Pregnant women may also be eligible for services.

Head Start 

A child may qualify if the child lives in Texas and is:

  • In foster care
  • Experiencing homelessness
  • Living in a household receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP)
  • A U.S. citizen or legal immigrant

Public Prekindergarten (Pre-k)

A child may qualify if the child lives in Texas and is:

  • at least age 3 on or before September 1 of the current school year (if a 3-year-old program is available) or
  • four years old on or before September 1 of the current school year
  • AND at least one of the following applies to the child:
  • speaks a language other than English
  • qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunch meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • is experiencing homelessness
  • currently or previously in foster care
  • has a parent or guardian who:
    • is active-duty military
    • was injured or killed while serving in active duty military
    • is a recipient of the Star of Texas Award
    • is employed as a classroom teacher at a public primary or secondary school in the school district that offers a prekindergarten class
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