Early Head Start
What is Early Head Start?
Early Head Start (EHS) Serves Pregnant Women and Children From Birth to Age 5; Providing Guidance, Information and Direct Services that Foster Healthy Development for Children and their Families During a Child’s Most Formative Years.
Today 600 EHS programs serve approximately 45,000 low-income families.
SERVICES EARLY HEAD START PROVIDE FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES:
- Teaches Healthy Parenting Skills to Families
- Evaluates Children for Physical, Social and Emotional Development
- Referrals for Health Care and Social Welfare
- Resources for Job Training, Medical/Dental Care and Family Counseling
RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL EVALUATION SHOW:
EHS 2 year-Olds scored higher on infant cognitive development than other children.- EHS Parents for 2 year-olds that read more to their children were more likely to stimulate cognitive, language development.
- EHS mothers were less likely to use physical punishment to discipline their children.
- EHS also partners with existing childcare providers; to provide guidance, professional training that help caregivers meet Head Start Performance Standards.
