Head Start is a federally funded, comprehensive preschool program designed to meet the emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of children aged 3 to 5 and their families. Head Start helps develop social competencies in children and promotes self-sufficiency through a comprehensive family-focused approach.

The Office of Early Learning houses the NC Head Start State Collaboration Office (NC HSSCO) through a grant from the federal Office of Head Start, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Head Start supports collaboration through grants to states to create a visible partnership at the state level to support the development of multi-agency and public/private partnerships that will enhance early childhood services for children and families. Collaboration of Head Start programs with the state-funded pre-kindergarten program is one of the highest priorities of the Head Start State Collaboration Office. Despite its federal-to-local program structure, Head Start recognizes that the states play an important role in the formulation and implementation of policies and initiatives that affect low income children and their families.