Head Start STEP Combined

Head Start

&

Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool (STEP)

The Loudoun County Public Schools Head Start and Starting Towards Excellence in Preschool (STEP) programs offer FREE full-day preschool opportunities for children who turn four (4) years-old by September 30, 2024 and meet eligibility criteria.

Both programs offer high-quality preschool instruction to prepare students for kindergarten. Classes are taught by a teacher and teacher assistant and are located throughout Loudoun County. Classes meet six (6) hours a day, Monday through Friday during the school year and enrollment is open now!

Your family may qualify for these programs if you: 

  • reside in Loudoun County, Virginia, and

  • have a child who will be 4 by September 30, or 3 if you live in certain areas of Sterling or Western Loudoun, and

  • meet income guidelines, or

  • receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and/or homeless per definition of the McKinney-Vento Act, or

  • parents did not graduate high school, or

  • have a child with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).

Though families may qualify, spaces are limited and selection is based on need, not “first come, first served."

Head Start Income Guidelines 2024-2025

Number in Family

Annual Income

Monthly Income

Weekly Income

Under-Enrolled Center/IEP Annual Income (350% Poverty)

1

$15,060

$1,255

$290

$52,720

2

$20,440

$1,703

$393

$71,540

3

$25,820

$2,152

$497

$90,370

4

$31,200

$2,600

$600

$109,200

5

$36,580

$3,048

$703

$128,030

6

$41,960

$3,497

$807

$146,860

7

$47,340

$3,945

$910

$165,690

8

$52,720

$4,393

$1,014

$184,520

Each Add'l Member

$5,380

$448

$103

$18,830

STEP Income Guidelines 2024-2025

Number in Family

Annual Income

Monthly Income

Weekly Income

Under-Enrolled Center Annual Income (350% Poverty)

1

$30,120

$2,510

$579

$52,720

2

$40,880

$3,407

$786

$71,540

3

$51,640

$4,303

$993

$90,370

4

$62,400

$5,200

$1,200

$109,200

5

$73,160

$6,097

$1,407

$128,030

6

$83,920

$6,993

$1,614

$146,860

7

$94,680

$7,890

$1,821

$165,690

8

$105,440

$8,797

$2,028

$184,520

Each Add'l Member

$10,760

$897

$207

$18,830