Early Head Start is designed to provide high quality child and family development services to low-income expectant mothers and families with infants and toddlers. Services are provided year-round, at no cost, to meet the health, educational, developmental, and social needs of children and families.
Our program operates a home-based model where Parent Educators visit families each week for 1 ½ hours, however, visits may vary for expectant parents. We also offer opportunities for parents and children to come together twice per month for Infant/Toddler Playtimes. Services are provided throughout Jefferson and Clarion Counties.
HOME VISITS FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING
AREAS OF SCHOOL READINESS:
To promote positive parent-child relationships, a Parent Educator might:
– Bring helpful information / activities about bonding with your child
– Model ways to interact with children-for example; assisting you in reading with your child
– Model talking with your child-for example; describing what your child is doing: “You stacked four blocks. Great!”
– Assist you in observing your child’s strengths and give you tips for developing them
– Connect families with one or more of our Certified Educators of Infant Massage
Parent Educators and our EHS staff can also perform home visits or assist in providing support/transportation to prenatal visits. Services include:
– Education on fetal development
– Education on nutrition and breastfeeding
– Assistance in preparing siblings for baby’s arrival
– Assistance in preparing a birthing plan
– Education on the effects of smoking, alcohol, and drug use during pregnancy
– Assistance in identifying emotional supports and education on postpartum depression and anxiety
– Home visit by a licensed nurse within 14 days of birth
Parent Educators can talk about:
– What is typical for a child’s age
– What to expect next in your child’s development
– Preparing for preschool
– Positive discipline strategies
– Common childhood issues like sleeping or toilet training
Parent Educators will provide information about the following:
– The importance-of well-baby check-ups, immunizations, and early oral health care
– Recognizing a baby’s cues, such as knowing when your baby is hungry
– Proper childhood nutrition, including breastfeeding support
– Ways to childproof your home
Parent Educators or other EHS staff may assist parents in setting goals such as:
– Job search or education goals
– Stress management and coping with problems
– Budgeting
– Transportation to Playtimes or Medical appointments
