The Early Childhood Eligibility Screener is a free tool for Texas families. The screener helps families see if they may qualify for free or low-cost early childhood education programs in Texas.
No. The screener is not an application and doesn’t guarantee eligibility. It’s a quick way to see which options may be available to families. You don’t need to upload any documents
You’ll see results on which programs your family may qualify for. You can decide if you want to apply to any of the programs. If you decide to apply, you can click on the links on the results page. See the Contact and Support section below for contact information for each program.
The Early Childhood Eligibility Screener helps families see if they may qualify for:
- Child Care Services (CCS)
- Early Head Start
- Head Start
- Public Prekindergarten (Pre-k)
You can find out about each program below.
Child Care Services (CCS)
CCS provides scholarships to help pay for child care for children ages birth through 12 (or up to age 18 for a child with a disability). This helps parents work, look for a job, go to school, or take part in job training. CCS can help pay for care before and after school and during nontraditional hours (evening or weekend care).
Early Head Start
Early Head Start serves children from birth to age three, and pregnant women. It also provides free child development and family support services to low-income families.
Head Start
Head Start serves children ages three to five get ready for school. It also provides free learning and development and family support services to low-income families.
Public Pre-k
Public Pre-k is free pre-k for eligible 3-year-olds (where a program is available) and 4-year-olds.
Yes, families can qualify and apply for more than one program.