Head Start Operates Within Existing State Child Care Licensing Infrastructure and Includes Established Supports for Alignment and Coordination Between Systems

This brief describes available data on the licensing status of Head Start service locations and child care programs, and outlines existing infrastructure that can support alignment and coordination between Head Start and state licensing systems.

• Most Head Start programs operate within existing state child care licensing infrastructure.
• About 74 percent of Head Start’s 17,000 service locations reported having a state license to operate.
• Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Programs provide Head Start services in child care centers or family child care homes that are state-licensed, representing about 17 percent of Early Head Start funded enrollment. 
• In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), states reported approximately 232,054 licensed providers across child care centers and family child care homes.
• The estimated number of unlicensed Head Start service locations is about two percent of the licensed child care provider universe.
• State child care licensing agencies maintain the core administrative systems and functions required to license new providers.
• Head Start Collaboration Offices (HSCOs) support coordination between Head Start entities and state entities and are well-positioned to help Head Start grant recipients navigate state child care licensing and other requirements.
• Further alignment of Head Start within state licensing systems would build on rather than duplicate or create new child care licensing infrastructure.

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