Child Inc provides high-quality early learning for young children and their families in Travis County. For ISD collaboration classrooms in Austin, Del Valle, Manor, and Pflugerville, families must live in Travis County and enroll their child in a participating Pre-K classroom within the respective school district.
All families are encouraged to apply. Once you submit your online application, our team will review it to verify eligibility and guide you through the enrollment process to ensure every child has access to the learning and support they need to thrive.
Ages Served
- Home Based Early Head Start is designed to serve infants and toddlers to 36 months.
- Child Inc Center Based Early Head Start serves children 6 weeks to 36 months.
- Child Inc Center Based Head Start serves children ages 3-4 (by September 1 of program year).
- Child Inc School Collaboration age requirements are determined by the district in which the classroom is located (3-4 years old).
Your family may be eligible for Early Head Start or Head Start Services if your child is six weeks to five years old, lives in Travis County, and meets any of the following:
- Family meets Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Family receives TANF benefits
- Family receives SNAP benefits
- Family receives Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) benefits
- Family is experiencing homelessness
- Child has a disability
- Child is in foster care
Additional Eligibility Options
Up to 10% of families may be over-income if special circumstances warrant enrollment. Most of these slots are filled with children with formally diagnosed disabilities.
At least 10 percent of Head Start’s enrollment is dedicated to children with disabilities or other special needs. Specially trained staff members work closely with community agencies to provide services to disabled children while simultaneously providing them with an integrated, developmentally appropriate early childhood experience within the Head Start classroom.
For more information about Federal Poverty Guidelines, see: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.
Documents Needed to Determine Eligibility
Proof of Age & Health Records
- Birth Certificate or Hospital Birth Records
- Shot Record, Last Physical & Dental Exam
Proof of Travis County Residence
- Driver’s License / ID
- Light, Gas, Water Bill, etc
Parent/Guardian Income
- 2024 Tax Return
- W2
- Letters from Employers (Form Available)
- Pay Stubs
- Unemployment documents
- Child Support (Previous 12 months, if applicable)
- Medicaid/CHIP/Private Insurance & SNAP Documents
- Current Recipient TANF/SSI Letter
- Social Security Benefits documents
Guardianship Information*
- Foster Care documents
- Child Protective Services documents
- Divorce Decree/Custody documents
*If applicable
2025 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States And the District of Colombia
Persons in Family/Household |
Poverty Guideline |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person. | |
| 1 | $15,650 |
| 2 | $21,150 |
| 3 | $26,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 |
| 5 | $37,650 |
| 6 | $43,150 |
| 7 | $48,650 |
| 8 | $54,150 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Child Inc?
Child Inc is the Head Start and Early Head Start provider for Travis County, offering high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family support services for children from six weeks to age five.
What programs do you offer?
We provide:
- Early Head Start (six weeks to age 3)
- Head Start (ages 3-5)
- Home-Based Services
- Child Care Partnerships at AISD Overton Elementary and Mainspring Schools
Who is eligible for Child Inc programs?
Eligibility is determined by federal guidelines. Many factors are considered, including financial hardship, homelessness, foster care placement, or if a child has a disability or developmental delay.
Do families need to live in Travis County?
Yes. Families must live in Travis County to enroll in any Child Inc program, including ISD collaboration classrooms in Austin, Del Valle, Manor, and Pflugerville.
How do I apply?
Submit an online application at any time. All families residing in Travis County are encouraged to apply.
Once you submit your application, our team will review it to verify eligibility and contact you with next steps.
Is enrollment first-come, first-served?
No. Enrollment decisions are based on federal Head Start guidelines and community priority needs, not on the order applications are received.
What documents are needed to apply?
Documents may include:
- Proof of residency
- Proof of income or benefits
- Child’s birth certificate
- Immunization records
Our team will let you know exactly what is needed after reviewing your application.
What are the classroom ratios and group sizes?
Early Head Start classrooms feature smaller class sizes to support individual attention.
Head Start classrooms follow federal teacher-to-child ratios to ensure safe, high-quality learning environments.
Do you offer transportation?
Child Inc does not offer transportation services.
What services do you offer beyond education?
Child Inc provides comprehensive support, including:
- Health and developmental screenings
- Nutrition services and daily meals
- Mental health consultation
- Disability services and inclusive classrooms
- Family goal-setting and case management
- Parent, Family & Community Engagement
- Fatherhood Engagement programming
Do you serve children with disabilities?
Yes. Child Inc offers inclusive classrooms and specialized support for children with disabilities or developmental delays.
What is the Policy Council?
The Policy Council is a leadership body made up primarily of parents who help guide program decisions. Families can participate through an annual nomination and voting process.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can engage by:
- Volunteering in the classroom
- Participating in family events
- Attending goal-setting meetings
- Joining the Fatherhood Engagement program
- Serving on Parent Committees or Policy Council
Who can help me with my application?
Our enrollment team and Family Advocates are ready to assist you. Families can contact us by phone, email, or through the website’s contact form for support.
What meals do children receive at Child Inc?
Child Inc serves nutritious meals and snacks each day that meet or exceed federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. All meals are provided at no cost to families.
We focus on offering fresh, balanced options that support healthy growth and encourage positive lifelong eating habits. Dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural preferences are accommodated in partnership with families.