Early Head Start

Early Head Start
	Mission Statement Early Head Start recognizes the importance of the development that occurs in the first three years of life and actively works in partnership with families and community to promote the healthy growth and development of children and families.
Early Head Start is a year-round program offered to families with children ages birth to three years. It provides an opportunity for parents to encourage their child’s healthy development. Together, the parents and Home Visitor create a home learning environment that will help the child grow and develop socially, intellectually, emotionally and physically. In the Early Head Start program a Home Visitor visits the family’s home to work with parents on the developmental goals they have for their child. The Home Visitor comes to each family’s home once a week for 1½ hours. Twice a month the Home Visitor, children and parents get together for a playgroup at the Early Head Start Infant/Toddler center. This is a chance for children to be with other children and for parents to share thoughts and ideas. Once a month the parents attend a parent meeting at the Infant/Toddler center with children playing and being cared for nearby. During the home visits, the parent and the Home Visitor work together to plan and implement a weekly program for their child and family. The Home Visitor works in collaboration with parents on meeting social service, nutrition, health, mental health, and dental needs for the whole family. Together they carry on a joint parent-teacher developmental program for the enrolled child. The Home Visitor works with the parent and child, helping parents to improve their teaching and parenting skills and become better acquainted with the resources available in Early Head Start and in the community. Home Visitors work with mothers- and fathers-to-be to create a birth plan, prepare the home for the coming baby, and make a plan for after the baby’s arrival. Early Head Start is offered in Crescent City, McKinleyville, Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, and Rio Dell.
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Northcoast Children's Services 1266 9th Street ~ Arcata, CA 95521 USA Phone: (707) 822-7206 ~ Fax: (707) 822-7962 Email: info@ncsheadstart.org