Head Start Summer Enrollment Yuba City 2026

Head Start enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is open now — and if your child will be 3 or 4 years old by December, this is the moment to act. Spots at E Center’s Yuba City and Marysville centers are limited, and families who apply early have the best chance at placement for their preferred start date.

Here’s everything you need to know about enrolling before the fall.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Apply

Most families think of school enrollment as a September task. For Head Start, that thinking costs them spots.

E Center processes applications on a rolling basis, and classroom placements fill throughout the spring and summer. Families who apply in May or June routinely secure placements before families who wait until August. If there’s one thing our enrollment team says every year, it’s this: the families who apply early are the families whose children start on time.

Who Qualifies for Fall 2026 Enrollment?

Head Start at E Center serves children ages 3–5. Early Head Start serves children from birth through age 2, as well as pregnant women.

You may qualify automatically if your family: – Receives TANF, SSI, or public assistance – Is experiencing homelessness or housing instability – Has a child in foster care

You may qualify by income if: Your household income is at or below federal poverty guidelines for your family size.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start programs nationally serve approximately 833,000 children per year, and E Center is proud to be the local provider for Yuba and Sutter Counties.

The fastest way to know if you qualify? Call us. Our enrollment team can tell you in minutes.

What Happens After You Apply

The enrollment process at E Center is designed to be simple and supportive — not stressful.

Submit an Interest Form — online, by phone, or in person at 860 Plaza Way, Yuba City
Meet with our Family Services team — a short, friendly conversation to review your situation and documents
Receive your placement offer — once eligibility is confirmed and a spot is available
Complete enrollment paperwork — we walk you through everything
Get ready for a great year — your child’s teacher will reach out before the first day

If space is not immediately available, your child is placed on a waitlist and contacted as soon as an opening occurs. This is another reason to apply now rather than later.

The Cost? Zero.

Head Start at E Center is completely free for qualifying families. No tuition. No meal fees. No supply lists.

Your child receives: – A research-backed preschool curriculum every day – Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks – Medical, dental, vision, and hearing screenings – Mental health support – Dedicated family services staff

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Enrollment

When does the new school year start at E Center? E Center typically begins the new program year in late August or early September. Contact us for exact dates for your preferred center location.

Can I apply even if I’m not sure I qualify? Absolutely. Our enrollment team will walk you through eligibility — you don’t need to figure it out on your own first.

What if my child turns 3 after the school year starts? Children who turn 3 after enrollment opens may still qualify for Early Head Start or a mid-year Head Start placement. Call us to discuss your child’s specific situation.

Is there a difference between Head Start and Early Head Start? Yes. Head Start serves children ages 3–5; Early Head Start serves children from birth through age 2 and pregnant women. Both programs are free for qualifying families.

Apply This Week — Don’t Wait Until August

Every week you wait is a week closer to a full waitlist. If your child will be 3, 4, or 5 this fall — or if you have a baby or toddler who qualifies for Early Head Start — now is the time.

Get your child’s spot secured:

???? Call (866) 417-4255 — speak with our enrollment team today ???? Apply online at ecenter.org — takes less than 10 minutes ???? Walk in 860 Plaza Way, Yuba City, CA 95991

Don’t let your child miss the opportunity of a Head Start. Apply today.

E Center is the Head Start and Early Head Start provider for Yuba and Sutter Counties. All programs are free for qualifying families with children ages 0–5. Contact us to learn more about eligibility and enrollment.