Serves families with children from birth to age three through Early Head Start. Serves children ages 3-4 through the Head Start program. Early Head Start home visiting program offers families a weekly, 90-minute visit which provides families with education and strategies to enhance learning at home.
Serves families with children from birth to age three through Early Head Start. Serves children ages 3-4 through the Head Start program. Early Head Start home visiting program offers families a weekly, 90-minute visit which provides families with education and strategies to enhance learning at home.
Services:
- Early Head Start
- Head Start
- Home Visits
- Parent Education/Family Support
Eligibility:
Income guidelines
Intake Process:
Complete and submit the Family Pre-Application. A recruitment team member will contact you to schedule a time to continue the application process. Please understand that no application submitted to Drake University Early Head Start/Head Start is guaranteed acceptance into the program.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am -4:30pm
Mailing Address:
3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 323
Des Moines, IA 50310
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: Head Start
As the nation’s leading federally funded early learning program, Head Start serves children and families in every state. Head Start’s role in each state differs based on local systems and models. The purpose of Head Start programs is to promote the school readiness of children ages 3 to 5 years. Most of these programs are based in centers. In other programs, children and families may receive services from educators and family service staff who regularly make home visits. Parent involvement is encouraged and support is offered for children with disabilities.
Services:
- Nutrition Services
- Preschool Education
- Health Services
- Mental health
- Connection with social services
- Parent involvement
- Family literacy
Eligibility:
Head Start is accessible at no cost to children ages 3 – 5 for low-income families. Families and children experiencing homelessness, and children in the foster care system are also eligible as well as children with disabilities and special needs. Specific eligibility requirements are determined by each Head Start site.
Intake Process:
Call for current application. Enrollment in Head Start begins in February for the next school year. Have the following information ready when applying:
- proof of family income (for 1 year)
- child’s birth verification
- record of recent physical exam for the child
- record of the child’s lead test,
- the child’s immunization card
- record of recent dental exam for the child.
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website
Program: Early Head Start
The Early Head Start (EHS) program is for low-income infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families. EHS programs promote children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development, support parents’ efforts to fulfill their parental roles, and help parents move toward self-sufficiency.
Services:
- Provide early, individualized child development and parent education services through home visits and group settings in the community as well as the Early Head Start Center.
- Provide early opportunities for infants and toddlers with and without disabilities to grow and develop together in nurturing and inclusive settings.
- Connect with other service providers to provide support through health, nutrition, and other services.
- Coordinate with local Head Start and other child development programs when the child is 3.
Eligibility:
Families with children ages birth to 3 years of age. Must meet income guidelines. Federal poverty guidelines are used.
Intake Process:
Call for current application. Enrollment in Early Head Start is ongoing. Have the following information ready when applying:
- proof of family income (for 1 year)
- child’s birth verification
- record of recent physical exam for the child
- record of the child’s lead test
- the child’s immunization card
- record of recent dental exam for the child.
Handicap Accessible: No
Appointment Needed: No
Website: Visit Website