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.
Jefferson-Clarion Head Start, Inc. received notification in August of 2018 that they were awarded funding for an OUD/SUD (Opiate Use Disorder/Substance Use Disorder) Pilot Home Visiting Program. This funding was used to support families experiencing issues or that are impacted by Opiate Use or Substance Use Disorders. This program serves five families in Clarion County and five families in Jefferson County using the Early Head Start model. Additional Mental Health services and other enhanced services are available to families in this program.
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
