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.
