Upbring Head Start Preschool | Nueces County, TX | No Cost for Eligible Families

Enrolling now in Nueces County · Spots are limited

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No Cost for Eligible Families

More Than Childcare.
A Strong Start for Your Child.

High-quality early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Your child gets healthy meals, caring teachers, and support for their learning, health, and development, all at no cost to your family.

Get Started Today Check If You Qualify Today

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Nueces County
Locations

150+

Years of
Experience

100%

At No Cost for
Eligible Families

Children learning at Upbring Head Start Preschool in Nueces County

Get Started Today

It Takes Less Than 60 Seconds.

Tell us a little about your family and we'll reach out to help. No paperwork, no commitment.

Private & secure

No obligation

Ready to apply now? Complete the full application →
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How It Works

Fill Out the Form

Takes less than 60 seconds. Just your name, phone, and child's age.

We Reach Out

We'll follow up to answer your questions and help you find out if you qualify.

Visit Your Center

We'll match you to the nearest campus and help you complete enrollment.

Who We Serve

Two Programs. One Goal:
Your Child Ready for School.

From their very first weeks to the day they walk into kindergarten, Upbring is here for your child and your whole family.

Early Head Start

6 weeks to age 2

Safe, loving care that helps your baby learn and grow from the very beginning.

Head Start

3 to 5

Certified teachers get your child ready for kindergarten with hands-on learning, social skills, and the confidence to succeed on day one.

At no cost for eligible families

Children with special needs welcome

Meals >Free meals & snacks daily

See if you qualify →

Why Upbring Head Start?

Everything Your Child Needs to Grow.
Everything Your Family Deserves.

This is more than a classroom. It's help for your whole family.

Healthy Meals & Snacks Every Day

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day, at no cost to you.

Individualized Learning Plans

Every child is unique. Our certified teachers create a personalized learning plan tailored to your child's development.

Ready for Kindergarten

Your child walks into kindergarten prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

Health & Dental Screenings

Regular medical and dental check-ups, hearing and vision screenings, and we connect you to free or affordable care if your child needs it.

Your Own Family Advocate

A dedicated person who supports your family, answers questions, and connects you to helpful resources.

Help for Your Whole Family

We connect you to job training, parenting classes, doctor and dentist referrals, and transportation help. All free..

From Our Families

Hear From Parents Like You

My daughter walks in smiling every single morning. She's learning, she's eating, she's growing. And it's free. I tell every mom I know.

Maria

Upbring Head Start Parent

Placeholder. Replace with real parent testimonial from Nueces County

The teachers really care about my son. They send me updates, they celebrate his progress. It feels like family. I never thought I could find this for free.

Jessica

Upbring Early Head Start Parent

Placeholder. Replace with real parent testimonial from Nueces County

Eligibility

Is My Child Eligible?

Most families who apply qualify. Not sure? Just call us. We'll help you figure it out.

Head Start (Ages 3–5)

You live in Nueces County
Your child is 3 or 4 years old by September 1
Mid-year sign-ups are welcome too
Your family meets income guidelines OR qualifies another way (see below)

Early Head Start (6 Weeks–Age 2)

You live in Nueces County
Your child is at least 6 weeks old by September 1
Mid-year sign-ups are welcome too
Your family meets income guidelines OR qualifies another way (see below)

You May Automatically Qualify If Your Family:

Gets SNAP (food stamps)

Gets TANF cash help

Has a family member on SSI

Child is in foster care

Your family is experiencing homelessness

Income: Your family's yearly income must be at or below the federal poverty line for your family size.

Not sure if you qualify? Call us. We'll help you find out.

Call 361-237-3041 Email Us

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Upbring has been serving children, families, and communities in Texas for more than 150 years. We work to break the cycle of child abuse and improve long-term outcomes for all children through foster care, adoption, education, and Head Start programs across the state.

Fill out the short form on this page and we'll reach out to walk you through the process. You can also call us at 361-237-3041. Early Head Start is open to children 6 weeks to age 2, and Head Start is open to children ages 3 to 5. An application and some documents are needed to complete enrollment.

There is no cost for families who qualify. Upbring Head Start Preschool includes early education, meals, health screenings, and family support, all at no cost.

Head Start is more than school. Your child gets certified teachers, free meals, health and dental care, and mental health support. Your family also gets a dedicated advocate who helps with things like job training, parenting resources, housing, and more. We build on the strengths of the families and communities we serve.

Children receive individualized learning plans, medical and dental screenings, speech and hearing check-ups, nutritious meals and snacks every day, and field trips. Every child's development is tracked so they're ready to succeed in kindergarten.

Families receive help with finding jobs, parenting classes, connections to health insurance and medical care, and activities that help parents be their child's first teacher. Each family gets a dedicated Family Advocate who works with you all year long.

Upbring Head Start is funded by the Office of Head Start within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as private donors and foundations. This is why the program is free for eligible families.

Find a Center Near You

16 Locations in Nueces County

There's an Upbring Head Start campus close to home. Enter your zip code to find the nearest one.

Your Zip Code:

Now Hiring

Love Working with Kids? Join Our Team.

Upbring Head Start is hiring across Nueces County. No degree needed for many roles, and we pay you to earn your teaching credentials. Full benefits, a great team, and work that matters.

Early Head Start Careers → Head Start Careers →

Give Your Child a Strong Start.
At No Cost.

Upbring Head Start Preschool is now enrolling in Nueces County. Your child will learn, grow, and build the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond, in a safe, caring environment with healthy meals, supportive teachers, and resources for your whole family.

Get Started Today Call 361-237-3041

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