Early Head Start - For Prenatal to Age 3
Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded community-based program for low-income families with infants and toddlers, and pregnant women. Its mission is simple:
- To promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women
- To enhance the development of very young children, and
- To promote healthy family functioning
Early Head Start is available in the Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach areas, and is delivered through a home visiting model.
You can apply for Early Head Start if you live in one if these towns, and are pregnant or have a child under age 3.
What can I Expect?
The following services:
- Health and Nutrition education
- Information about how your child grows and learns
- Services for children with disabilities
- Opportunities for mothers, fathers and caregivers to connect and share information
Who Can Participate?
- Families who meet the federal income guidelines
- Biddeford area and surrounding communities
- Pregnant Women/Expectant Fathers
- Families with a child or children ages 0 – 3
What do I have to do?
- Take an active role in weekly home visits
- Attend 2 discovery days per month with your child
- In addition, there is an opportunity for you to help make program decisions at all levels.
Discovery Days
Discovery days provide an opportunity for parents and their infants and toddlers to come together twice a month, to a center especially designed for them. It is a time to play, explore, learn, share information, and have fun!
What do other parents say?
“I love that Sierra’s learning so much at such an early age. The best part is the interaction with other children.”……………….Karen
“You get all the info you’ll ever need. The socialization is very important.”………Amy
“I like that my daughter gets to play and learn with other children.”………..Susan