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Early Head Start
In Snyder, Union & Mifflin Counties
What is Early Head Start?
Early Head Start is a family focused program for pregnant women and families with children ages birth to three years of age. Its main goal is to enhance the growth and development of infants and toddlers while supporting their parents in the roles as primary caregiver and educator of their children. Individualized services will provide education to parents which supports and develops their abilities to foster their child's development as well as promoting their own goals, and coordinate services in the community to meet the needs of families served.
Who is Eligible for Early Head Start?
To be eligible, a family must....
- Be expecting a baby or have an infant or toddler
- Live within the Snyder, Union, Mifflin Counties service area
- Have a total family income at or below the federal poverty guidelines
What Type of Services Are Provided in Early Head Start?
Early Head Start provides a variety of services including early childhood education, parent education, social services, health and nutrition services, services for disabilites, and mental health services.
Early Childhood Education
Age appropriate activities are provided to improve language, motor, self-help and other basic learning skills.
Health/Nutrition
Services include health and nutrition training/education. Emphasis is on routine medical exams and up-to-date immunizations.
Parent Involvement
Because parents are the most important teachers, the program relies on parent involvement and stresses parent education. Monthly parent meetings and group socialization days are held. In addition, parents serve on the Early Head Start/Head Start Policy Council to assist with decision making within the program.
Community Partnerships
Early Head Start assists parents with identifying their strengths and needs and in making the necessary referrals to local agencies. Information is provided on many community services.
Disabilities
Children with special needs can receive specialized, individualized services to enhance their development.
How Are Services Provided?
The Early Head Start program provides services to meet the individual family's needs. For some families services will be provided through weekly home visits and several group socialization days each month. Working families will receive services through a combination of home visits and visits with both children and parents at the Child Care Center, or a variation that best serves the family.
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