Child development program that serves children from birth to age 5, pregnant women and their families. Child-focused programs to increase school readiness of young children in low-income families.
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Organization: N/A
Location Information
Statewide
Child development program that serves children from birth to age 5, pregnant women and their families. Child-focused programs to increase school readiness of young children in low-income families.
Services:
Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Provides a range of services in education, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, and social services for children and their families.
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