Registration for the Guam Department of Education’s Head Start Program for the current school year is ongoing, according to the department. To be eligible, families must meet the federal income guidelines and have a child born between Aug. 1, 2021, and July 31, 2023.

GDOE Superintendent Judith Won Pat called the Head Start Program a “valuable resource” in early childhood education. She said, “These services to the families have direct and lifelong advantages that impact our Guam Department of Education students’ future.”

The 2026 federal income guidelines for eligibility are as follows:

  • Family of 1: $15,960

  • Family of 2: $21,640

  • Family of 3: $27,320

  • Family of 4: $33,000

  • Family of 5: $38,680

  • Family of 6: $44,360

  • Family of 7: $50,040

  • Family of 8: $55,720

According to the guidelines, for families with more than eight people, $5,680 is added for each additional person.

GDOE said families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also eligible if they have a child who meets the age requirement.

Foster children and children with certified special needs who meet the age requirement are also eligible for the Head Start Program.

The application for the program must be completed by the child’s parent or court-appointed legal guardian.

Documents required for the application include parent or guardian identification, the child’s birth certificate, immunization card, Social Security card and any other legal documents pertaining to guardianship, if applicable.

GDOE said applicants must also provide income documents for the last 12 months.

“Verification of earned and unearned income of Household Parents and Guardians to include but not limited to the following: 2025 W2 and Income Tax forms; check stubs from 2025-2026, Public Health TANF or SNAP Certification, Child Support, Financial Aid, Social Security benefits, GHURA Utility Reimbursements, LES for military (monthly),” GDOE said.

Families without a source of income will need to submit a Statement of Support and unemployment verification if unemployed for a total of six months or more.

To register, call 671-475-0484 to schedule an appointment with the Head Start Office in Tiyan.