Head Start/Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start programs are available to income-eligible children/families. Children with identified special needs may also be considered, regardless of income.
We work in partnership with families to build children’s and parents’ strength, promote self-esteem and encourage self-sufficiency and lifelong learning.
Early Head Start is a home-based program that supports parents' roles as their child's most important teacher. The program offers educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to help parents develop a loving bond with their children so they can grow and learn. This program is available in Bedford County.
Early Head Start provides education on:
Stages of fetal development
Delivery and labor
How to care for your newborn
Maintaining emotional well-being during pregnancy and postpartum
Breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding
Prevention of bottle mouth syndrome
Healthy eating for mother and newborn
How to childproof your home
Preparation for father-to-be and siblings
Postpartum visit from a nurse
Child development information
Personal home visits designed to meet each family's individual needs
Social service referrals
Parent education
Play and Learn playgroups for parents and children
Head Start is a child and family development program that promotes the school readiness of children by supporting their growth in language, literature, math, science, social and emotional development, creative arts and physical arts. Head Start also provides children and families support with health, educational, nutritional, social and other services to allow parents and children to grow and be successful in life. The program can be done through home visits, classroom time or a combination of both. This program is available in Bedford and Fulton counties.
Head Start offers the following:
Individualized home visits
Classroom time
Kindergarten readiness
Health screenings and referrals
Healthy meals and snacks
Book and video lending library
Helpful parenting skills
Family support and links to resources
Sharing experiences with other parents
Partnerships with local school districts (Northern Bedford County, Tussey Mountain, Southern Fulton, Intermediate Unit 08 and Intermediate Unit 11)
