Head Start and Early Head Start in Modesto, CA
22 centers in Modesto (Stanislaus County). 6 offer Early Head Start, from pregnancy to age 3, and 20 offer Head Start preschool for ages 3 to 5. You apply through 4 programs, which report 557 funded slots here. It's free if you qualify.
Source: Office of Head Start service locations, as of October 2026. Each program reports its own sites, so call before you visit. Closed sites are left out.
Who qualifies in California
$27,320a year or less for a family of three, or $33,000 for four. That's the 2026 federal poverty line, Head Start's income limit.
You also qualify at any income if you get TANF or SSI, your child is in foster care, or your family is homeless.
Sources: 45 CFR 1302.12; HHS poverty guidelines
Poverty guidelines for every family sizeCenters in Modesto
Listed A to Z. A center may serve only some ages; the tags show which programs it runs.
Empire USD (Partner)-Capistrano Head Start
Early Head StartHead Start400 Capistrano Dr, Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 527-9865Marilyn Frakes Child Development Center
Early Head StartHead Start3920 Blue Bird Dr, Modesto, CA 95356
(209) 545-4417Stonum Child Development Center
Head StartMigrant and Seasonal1336 Stonum Rd, Modesto, CA 95351
(209) 581-9181Tom Changnon Education Center (TCEC)
Early Head StartHead Start1325 H St, Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 238-6300
Where to apply in Modesto
You apply to the program, not to one center. Each number here is the program's enrollment line: staff check whether you qualify, tell you which centers have room, and add you to the waiting list if they're full. Counts are centers in Modesto.
- (209) 574-1625
Modesto City Schools Child development Programs
- (209) 238-1800
Stanislaus County Office of Education
- (209) 581-9000 ext. 114
Central California Child Development Services
- (209) 543-3102
Salida Union School District
New to Head Start? Who qualifies, what it costs and how applying works
Help paying for child care
- Child care assistance (subsidies) by stateWhen Head Start is full or your income is a little higher
- 2026 federal poverty guidelinesThe income table Head Start uses
- Child care cost by countyWhat daycare costs in California
- How much childcare costsCenter, home daycare and nanny prices
- WIC income limitsFood help for pregnancy and children under 5