Early Head Start

Early Head Start serves children and families who are income-eligible as well as children who have a diagnosed disability. Early Head Start serves families and children ages prenatal-3 years, to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women and enhance the development of the very young child. Early Head Start offers full-day full-year, or home-based programs that are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Early Head Start programs provide comprehensive services for the whole family, including:

Respectful relationships, caregiving, and teaching

The relationship between families and our programs is a high priority, and is critical for children's success. Our top priority is working in partnership with the family, because research has proven that children learn best when staff and families work together. We also offer regular opportunities for parenting support and education.

The individual child

Each child is a unique person, so they each have their own learning plan created with the family. Our curriculum is tailored to meet each child's needs and interests.

Nutrition

We provide nutritious food following USDA guidelines. We work closely with families to meet each child's special dietary needs. Children who attend full-day programs receive 2/3 of daily nutritional needs.

Health

Children who are healthy are better learners. We support and encourage families in getting their child regular well-child care. We can help families find a physician and get insurance for their children. Children receive health screenings in every program to check hearing, vision, development, and height and weight.

Dental care

It's hard for children to learn when their teeth hurt, so we support families in getting dental checkups each year. We can help families get insurance for their children and find a dentist who works with young children. All toddlers are encouraged to brush their teeth at school each day, and toothbrushes and toothpaste are provided at the program.

Immunizations

Children must be immunized in order to attend our programs. If families need help getting insurance, we can help.

By providing comprehensive services beginning in the prenatal period, families enrolled in Early Head Start have the opportunity to minimize the risk for health and developmental problems. These services include comprehensive prenatal and postpartum health care, prenatal education and breastfeeding education. We also help pregnant women access community resources such as health clinics, transportation services, counseling and other mental health programs, and post-delivery (doula) services.