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Apply for Head Start/Pre-K Counts and Early Head Start

Thank you for your interest in Head Start/Early Head Start of the Lehigh Valley and Pre-K Counts. The online application can be completed in preparation for an in-person interview. If you are applying for the first time, please complete the information below. If you previously applied for your child or any other children, please call 610-432-5700.

Click the APPLY button for English or Spanish to begin the application process for your child.

Application Process

Head Start/Pre-K Counts is a classroom-based preschool program for children who are preparing for kindergarten, specifically those who are one or two years old before starting school. The program also provides comprehensive health and family services. To be eligible, children must be at least three or four years old by September 1st.

The Early Head Start program offers weekly home visits to support healthy pregnancies and promote positive development for infants and toddlers, from newborns up to two years old.

All Head Start, Early Head Start, and Pre-K Counts applicants must participate in an application interview to determine eligibility.

The following original documents must be presented during your application interview:

Verification of Eligibility:

• Date of Birth: Child’s birth certificate, hospital record of birth, or Passport.
• Family’s Current Income (previous 12 months): Current pay stubs, unemployment check, a signed written statement from a current employer, recent tax forms (ex. W2, 1040), most recent TANF or SSI benefit statement, Child Support/Alimony, Foster Care/Kinship (bring all applicable documentation).
• Address: Valid ID, bill statement, mortgage, lease, or rental agreement.

Documents to Provide (if applicable):

You will also be asked to provide any of the following documents that apply to your child at the time of your interview:

• Applicant’s Health Information: Medical Insurance Card (if applicable), physical exam, dental exam, immunization record, Hemoglobin (Anemia) level (found in your child’s lab work), and Lead Level (found in your child’s lab work starting from 9-12 months old).
• IEP/IFSP (Individualized Education Program/Individualized Family Service Plan).
• Custody Agreement.
• Assistance Program Case Number: SNAP/TANF/FDPIR (if applicable).

Contact Us

If you have questions about the application process, please:

• Email: enrollment@cscinc.org
• Call: (610) 432-5700 to speak to the Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre-K Counts Enrollment Department.

The online application will get you started. Please read the document below to be sure you understand the entire process.

Download our Application Process

Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2025/26

Head Start and Early Head Start applications are subject to qualification under the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are updated annually.

Poverty Guidelines for 2025/26

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will I be contacted about my application?
  • Once you complete the online pre-application, someone from the Enrollment team will reach out to schedule an application interview for your family. These are generally scheduled within 2 weeks and can be held at the Donley Campus, 1520 Hanover Ave., or CSC-Downtown at 101 N. 6^th St., Allentown. If you don’t hear from us within 2 weeks, please call the Intake Line at 610-432-5700.
• What can I expect after I submit my application?
  • An application is completed once you’ve met with an Enrollment Specialist and submitted all required documentation (proof of birth, proof of residency, and income or public assistance documents). A child with a completed application is placed on the list for one or more classrooms based on where you live and your classroom request(s). When a spot becomes available in one of those classrooms, you will be contacted by the Enrollment team. If you accept the spot, someone from our team will meet with you to complete Registration paperwork and set a start date for your child. Because there are limited classrooms, there is often a waiting period between the time you apply and the time a spot becomes available. You are free to call us and check; we also send out reminder emails to families still waiting for a spot. If any of your information changes while you are waiting (phone, address, income, household members, etc.), please contact us to update your application.
• What if my child has special needs?
  • Our Enrollment Specialist will talk with you about your child’s strengths and needs during the application interview. Please bring along and share any documents you might have from doctors or other specialists your child has seen or is seeing. CSC has a Health Department with trained staff who will work with you to help your child be successful in the classroom. We are happy to partner with other service providers and assist you in connecting with them if needed. If you have questions about your child’s development, we can support you with referrals to additional resources.
• What happens if spots are full?
  •  If no immediate openings exist, you will be contacted when your child is selected for an open spot. Limited openings exist in classrooms throughout Lehigh & Northampton Counties. Application & Enrollment occur throughout the year.