Support
Each family is assigned its own family worker. Together they create a Family Partnership Plan that identifies life goals and the steps needed to accomplish them.
Head Start & Early Head Start
We enroll your entire family.
Free, quality early childhood education and family support across Bergen County, Jersey City, and Paterson.
About Us
Teaching Children, Reaching Families
Greater Bergen Community Action provides comprehensive infant, toddler, and child development services that embrace the entire family. We work with the local community to address child-care and family-support needs that help families become self-sufficient.
What We Do
Preparing your whole family for life beyond the classroom
Our goal is not only to get your child ready for kindergarten, but to prepare your entire family for life beyond the program. Our services range from early childhood education to health, nutrition, parent education, family counseling, financial counseling, and more.
Since 1968, we've served more than 25,000 families across Bergen County, Jersey City, and Paterson, NJ.
Read video transcript
[Upbeat instrumental music plays throughout the video.]
Narrator: At GBCA Head Start, our goal is not only to get your child ready for kindergarten, but to prepare your entire family for life beyond the program.
We have several locations throughout Paterson, Jersey City, and Bergen County. All Head Start students receive free health, dental, vision, height, and weight screenings by medical professionals.
At mealtimes, students eat delicious, nutritious, USDA-approved meals from a menu prepared by our in-house registered dietitians. All of our schools are multilingual and include children and families from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Each family is assigned its own family worker, and together they create a Family Partnership Plan. Your child deserves a Head Start.
Our Impact
Making a difference for thousands of families
81%
Identify objects and shapes
88%
Developed counting skills
91%
Expanded vocabulary
92%
Mastered fine motor skills
94%
Identify and name letters
96%
Use tools and technology
Testimonials
What Head Start parents say
"The instant I got here they took me in like family. If they can't help you in one way, they'll find where you can get help. I'm convinced they're doing something right with my child."— Vianes, Head Start parent
How We Do It
A whole-family approach
Special needs
Children with disabilities are a welcome part of our program. Parents, teachers, and specialists work together to develop a unique program for each child, in the classroom and at home.
Every family, every child
All of our schools are multilingual and reflect the communities we serve. Children's cultures, languages, and family traditions are honored, inside and outside of the classroom.
Health
All Head Start students receive free health, dental, vision, and growth screenings by medical professionals within the first 45 days of the program — and referrals to high-quality services in their communities.
Nutrition
Students eat delicious, nutritious, USDA-approved meals prepared by in-house registered dietitians, with 31 specialized menus available for allergies or cultural dietary needs.
Education
Every day, infants, toddlers, and children enjoy activities and games that follow a research-based curriculum aligned with NJ state licensing standards — letters, numbers, social skills, and developmental milestones.
Eligibility
Who is eligible
Tuition is free for qualifying families. Eligibility is based on your total household income — everyone living in your home related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Income guidelines (2026)
Families earning up to 130% of the federal poverty guideline may qualify. For a family of four, that’s up to $42,900. Larger and smaller households qualify at proportionally adjusted income thresholds.
Ages we serve
- Early Head Start: prenatal through age 3
- Head Start: ages 3 through 5
You automatically qualify if any of these apply:
- Your household receives SNAP, TANF, or SSI benefits
- Your child is in foster care
- Your family is experiencing homelessness
- Your child has a diagnosed disability or developmental delay
If your income is above the federal guideline but you have other financial pressures or your child has special needs, please still apply — a Head Start family worker will review your situation individually.
Our Locations
Centers across three counties
Click any county to view all centers in that area.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Head Start really free?
Yes — tuition is free for qualifying families. Eligibility is based on household income; families earning up to 130% of the federal poverty guideline may qualify. Some families automatically qualify (SNAP/TANF/SSI, foster care, homelessness, or a diagnosed disability).
What ages do you serve?
Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers ages 0–3. Head Start serves preschoolers ages 3–5. Both programs work with the entire family, not just the child.
What does Head Start include beyond the classroom?
Free health, dental, vision, and growth screenings; nutritious USDA-approved meals; a dedicated family worker; family-partnership planning; counseling; and specialized support for children with disabilities or developmental delays.
Will my child get help if they speak a language other than English?
Yes. Our schools are multilingual and reflect the communities we serve. Children's cultures, languages, and family traditions are honored in and out of the classroom.
How do I apply?
Call the office nearest you — Bergen County 201-366-1020, Jersey City 201-884-1050, or Paterson 973-546-2634 — or use the Apply Here page.
When does enrollment open?
Applications are accepted year-round. The sooner you apply, the sooner we can match your child with the right center.
Get Started
Your child deserves a Head Start.
Applications are accepted year-round. Reach out today.