Knoxville Head Start- Enrollment
How to Apply
To start enrollment, a parent or legal guardian can click the red “INTEREST FORM” button or contact our main office at (865) 522-2193 for assistance. Applicants must be residents of Knox County. Please scroll down for eligibility and income requirements. As part of the application process, we require a copy of the child’s up-to-date immunization record on the Tennessee state form, a current physical examination, proof of all income for all adults in the home for the past year, and any other necessary information.
Eligibility Requirements
There are several ways that your child may be eligible to apply for our program. One is based on family income, a second is based on receiving certain forms of public assistance, and the third is categorical guardianship or housing status.
Public Assistance
If your family receives either Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps), your child is eligible for the program.
Income
We follow the 2025 Poverty Guidelines, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). To determine if your child may be eligible for the program, locate your family/household size in the left column and compare your combined family income to the corresponding value in the right column. If your income is at or below that number, your child meets the income eligibility requirement.
Special Eligibility Considerations
If you are a foster parent applying for a foster child, or if your family is currently experiencing homelessness, the child you are applying for is eligible for the program.
Eligibility does not guarantee enrollment
Poverty Guidelines
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,500 for each additional person.
Health Requirements
For enrollment in our program, we require each child to have the following:
Immunization Record
on Tennessee Certificate of Immunization
Up-to-date Well Child Exam (Checkup)
For Head Start- done on or after 9/1 of the previous year
For Early Head Start- varies depending on age—required at: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months, and 36 months
All Head Start Centers have QUALITY 3 star day care licensing ratings. Program operated by Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee. Meals provided through the USDA program for children enrolled in Head Start. Head Start does not discriminate against children based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, or disabling conditions.
Why Choose Us?
Dedicated Staff
One of our program’s major strengths is our commitment to excellence and improvement. We have a hard-working team and qualified staff that are committed and qualified to provide the best education for the children we serve.
Our Focus on Family
Head Start isn’t just a daycare! Our program provides prompt care and support for all of our children and their families. We are highly responsive to parents and will do everything we can to assist those who need support.
Want to know more about Head Start and its impact at the national level?
The Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC) is the official communication channel for Head Start and Early Head Start grantees, TA network, regional offices, Head Start parents and families, OHS consultants, and anyone else involved with Head Start.
English 
Español de México