Early Head Start

This home-based program is for pregnant mothers and children birth to three years.  Becoming pregnant and having a baby is one of the most transforming experiences women can have.  Pregnancy often brings joy and excitement as well as anxiousness at the unknown.  Attachment to your baby begins as soon as you feel a connection to your fetus.  The stronger your attachment prenatally, the more secure your baby will be after birth.

The first three months of pregnancy are a critical time for your baby's development.  All the brain cells your baby will ever have are formed during these first three months.

As a pregnant mother enrolled in the Early Head Start program, you will receive services up to birth.  Once the child is born, they are automatically enrolled in our program until the age of three years.

Pregnant/Expectant Women

How Early Head Start Works for Pregnant Mothers

• A specially trained home visitor meets with you to set up a schedule of weekly home visits
• Following a research-based curriculum, the home visitor brings prenatal information, education, materials and activities regarding your weeks of pregnancy
• As you approach your due date, your home visits can include visiting the hospital, attending birthing and breast-feeding classes, or getting home/room ready for baby
• Pregnant mothers are also encouraged to attend program socials offered twice per month. These provide for a chance to meet other pregnant mothers and families also enrolled in our program

Benefits for the Enrolled Pregnant Mother

• Personal support from qualified staff
• Prenatal education including fetal development, labor, delivery and recovery
• Assistance of prenatal and postpartum care
• Health education and promotion including medical, dental, nutrition and mental health
• Collaboration with local clinics, physicians, mental health and nutrition professionals
• Assistance in setting and reaching goals

Pregnant mothers apply today!

solicitud de madre embarazada

You may fill out the application, save it to your computer, and then upload it.  Or you can mail it in or drop it off at 2307 E. Capitol.

Please call Hannah Carda at 605-280-8262 for questions.

Birth to Age Three

How Early Head Start Works for Birth to Age Three

• The child must be under 3 years of age as of September 1
• A specially trained home visitor meets with you to set up a schedule of weekly home visits
• Home visitor brings activities and information to support parents in promoting their child's development, health, and nutrition
• Two playgroup sessions are held each month in varying locations

Benefits for the Enrolled Children Birth to Age Three

• Families are supported and educated by their specially trained home visitor
• A multitude of resources are available for many different topics on parenting
• By attending socials, parents have the opportunity to make new friends with other parents in the program
• Children get to play together to practice their social skills
• Home visitors and parents work together to plan fun activities for the socials
• Assistance in setting and reaching goals
• Parent engagement is encouraged by attending Parent Meetings, serving on a committee, volunteering in the classroom, and weekly in-kind forms

 

You may fill out the application, save it to your computer, and then upload it.  Or you can mail it in or drop it off at 2307 E. Capitol.

 Apply for the Birth to Age Three Program

aplicación en español

Please contact Hannah Carda at 280-8262 if you have any questions.