Child care in San Antonio can cost more than rent. For a lot of families, going back to work barely pencils out once day care takes its cut. But San Antonio has several programs that cover child care and early learning at no cost for families who qualify — and one of them is still taking applications right now for this school year.
Head Start preschool: applications still open for 2026–27
The City of San Antonio announced on October 16, 2026 that its Head Start Preschool program is still accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. Head Start gives young children free early learning, health screenings, and family support — and seats are still open.
Who it’s for: children who are 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026. (This application round is for preschool. It does not cover infants and toddlers.)
Some families get priority. The City gives priority to:
- Households experiencing homelessness
- Households receiving SNAP
- Households receiving TANF
- Children in foster care
- Children living with non-custodial family members
- Children with diagnosed or suspected disabilities or developmental delays
Where: classes run at 5 local nonprofit child care centers and 30 elementary school campuses, in partnership with San Antonio ISD and Edgewood ISD.
How to apply: start at SAHeadStart.org — the How to Apply page lists the documents you’ll need. If you want help with the application, call 210-206-5500.
The City has not announced a closing date — but seats fill as applications come in, so don’t wait.
Pre-K 4 SA: free full-day pre-K
Pre-K 4 SA is San Antonio’s citywide early childhood program, funded through the city sales tax. It offers full-day pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds, and it’s free for families who qualify — about 80% of enrolled children attend on full scholarships.
Who qualifies for free: children who turn 3 or 4 by September 1 and meet at least one of these — family income at or below 185% of the federal poverty line (roughly $42,000 for a family of four), homeless, in foster care, English as a second language, or a military family. You must live within San Antonio city limits or a participating school district.
What’s included: the school day runs with extended hours for working families (roughly 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. Free transportation is available to students.
How to apply: visit prek4sa.com and check the admissions/eligibility page. The program runs four Education Centers across the city (North, South, East, West).
Child Care Scholarships (CCS): help paying for day care
If you’re working, in school, or in job training and need help paying for child care, the Child Care Scholarships (CCS) program through Workforce Solutions Alamo helps cover the cost. Apply early — there can be a waitlist.
- Call: 1-888-265-6461
- Online: childcare.twc.texas.gov
What to do first
- If your child is 3 or 4: apply for Head Start at SAHeadStart.org — applications are open right now — and check Pre-K 4 SA eligibility at prek4sa.com.
- If your child is under 3 or you need infant/toddler care: call CCS at 1-888-265-6461 about scholarships, and ask Pre-K 4 SA about their infant-toddler pilot classrooms.
- If money is tight in other ways too: many of these families also qualify for free diapers, food help, and more. Take our 2-minute checker and see everything your family may qualify for: Check what you qualify for →
Juggling child care costs along with rent, food, and bills? Our free Apply for Me program builds you a personalized guide to the benefits your family may qualify for.
Helpful links & phone numbers
- Head Start application: SAHeadStart.org
- Head Start application help: 210-206-5500
- Pre-K 4 SA: prek4sa.com
- Child Care Scholarships (CCS): 1-888-265-6461 · childcare.twc.texas.gov
- South San Antonio ISD Head Start: (210) 977-7000 — most San Antonio-area districts run Head Start classrooms; ask your own district too
- 2-1-1 Texas: dial 2-1-1 for local help of every kind
FAQ
Is Head Start still accepting applications?
Yes. The City of San Antonio announced on October 16, 2026 that Head Start Preschool applications are still being accepted for the 2026–2027 school year. Apply at SAHeadStart.org or call 210-206-5500 for help. No closing date has been announced.
Is Pre-K 4 SA really free?
Yes, for families who meet the eligibility requirements — about 80% of enrolled children attend free. Families above the income limits can attend as tuition students.
What ages are covered?
Head Start preschool and Pre-K 4 SA serve 3- and 4-year-olds (must turn 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026). CCS scholarships can cover infants and toddlers too, depending on availability.
What if I don’t qualify for free pre-K?
Apply anyway if you’re close — some seats go by lottery, and districts have their own pre-K programs with different rules. CCS scholarships are the backup for working parents who need day care rather than pre-K.
How do I apply?
Head Start: SAHeadStart.org (help: 210-206-5500). Pre-K 4 SA: prek4sa.com admissions page. CCS: 1-888-265-6461 or childcare.twc.texas.gov.
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