Early Head Start Program Options

Early Head Start (EHS) programs operate year round.  A new program year begins each September but children are enrolled throughout the year as space becomes available.  Once enrolled, children are eligible for EHS until 3 years of age or when they are transitioned into a preschool setting.

Home-Based Program

Imagine your child a few years from now or as an adult. What do you want your child to learn? What kind of person do you want your child to be?  The home-based program was created to help you help your child reach these goals and others.  Once a week, a home visitor will come to your home.  You, your spouse or partner, and your child’s siblings can all take part. You will talk together about your child and how things are going for your family. Together, you will plan activities for you to do with your child during home visits and during the week between visits. Twice a month, you and your child will meet other children and parents, at the Early Head Start center, for a group experience.  These experiences are called socializations or parent-child playgroups.

Center-Based Program

Have your family’s needs or circumstances changed? Are you now employed or attending school? If so, you may be interested in infant-toddler childcare services.  Early Head Start childcare services are available in Bay County and located at the HS-EHS Education Center in Bay City.  Your child will receive care by a consistent person in a safe and nurturing setting designed especially for infants and toddlers.  You will also received 4 home visits a year to talk about your child and how things are going for your family. You and your child’s teacher will work together to make decisions about your child’s care and developmental progress. Childcare services are offered full-day, full-year with the exception of holidays and staff in-service days.

Services to Pregnant Women

If you are expecting a child, EHS can begin providing services in the prenatal period. These services include access to prenatal and postpartum health care, prenatal education, and breastfeeding education.  Do you want to know more about typical fetal development, including the risks of smoking and drinking alcohol; about nutrition during pregnancy; and recovery after the baby is born, including maternal depression? EHS staff members can individualize the program to support expectant parents and meet family needs during the prenatal period.