Early Education

The Early Education Head Start / Early Head Start Division offers comprehensive child development services for young children from birth to age five, pregnant women, and their families. The program's goal is to promote children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, to be prepared for future success in school. This educational program recognizes that children grow in the context of their family and culture. The program supports and encourages parents in their role as primary educators and supporters of their children. 

Maricopa County is one of several agencies of Head Start / Early Head Start in the County. The City of Phoenix, Chicanos Por La Causa, Southwest Human Development, and Child Crisis of Arizona also provide Head Start and Early Head Start services in select areas of Maricopa County.

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Head Start Zero to Five


The Maricopa County Program Head Start Zero to Five serves more than 1,000 at risk children and their families. The program receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. Communities support the program by providing volunteer services and provision of classroom and office space.

Service Area


Maricopa County operates:

  • Head Start preschool services to children ages 3 and 4 years old who live in the East Maricopa County communities
  • Early Head Start services for pregnant women and children under 3 years are provided in either a home-based, or center-based program in the East Valley communities of Maricopa County
  • Partnerships with child care throughout all of Maricopa County (excluding the City of Phoenix)

East Valley Office:
Maricopa County Human Services Department
602-372-3700
Online Application (ENG)
Online Application (SPA)

City of Phoenix Office:
City of Phoenix Human Services Department
602-262-4040

West Valley Office:
Catholic Charities 
623-486-9868