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Early Head Start |
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SERVICE AREA AND PROGRAM OPTIONS
The Early Head Start (EHS) Program was introduced to EEC Head
Start in 1998. At its inception, the program served 80 children
in home-based programs. In 2001, the first center-based program
was opened to serve 48 additional children.
Currently, EHS serves two counties in Northwest Florida.
EHS operates full-day, full-year programs.
WHAT IS EARLY HEAD START?
Provides services to income eligible, pregnant women and children
ages 0-3 years
Encourages prenatal care in pregnant women Child Development Program seeking to enhance the development of infants
and toddlers through
partnerships with parents
Proactive approach to promotion of healthy child development and family functioning
Supports high level of parent involvement and partnership Inclusive program available for children with disabilities Believes that families can identify their own strengths and needs, set
their own goals, and
are capable of growth
Partners with many community agencies to provide the best available resources to families
HOME-BASED HEAD START
The Home-Based Program provides comprehensive Head Start services
to pregnant women, children, ages 0-3 years, and their families.
Through the home-based option, families receive the same services
as those participating in center-based programs. While the center-based
Head Start option focuses on the child in a classroom setting,
the home-based option focuses on the family and the child in a
home setting. Our staff, called "Family Advocates", have an opportunity
to work with individuals within a family context and in the home
environment. They help parents provide the developmental activities
and support services that Head Start children receive in the center-based
option.
The Home-Based Program provides comprehensive services in education/child
development, medical and dental health, nutrition, mental health,
social services and parent involvement. Because the parent is
considered a primary factor in the growth and development of their
child, the Home-Based Family Advocates work intensively with the
child's parents and other family members.
Home-based visits consist of the following components:
- Visits are conducted with the parents, not with babysitters or temporary caregivers.
- Visits help parents enhance their parenting skills and assist
them in the use of their home as their child's primary learning
environment.
- Visits focus on helping parents learn how to provide learning opportunities
that further their child's growth and development.
- The content of the visit is jointly planned by the parent and the home visitor.
If you would like to support our Head Start Programs, please
click here.
 Click
here to find an EEC Head Start center in your area.
HEAD START LINKS
Administration for Children and Families
Florida Head Start Association
Region IV Head Start Association
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