FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is so special about the early years and my child’s development?

The early years from birth to age five is a very important time in your child’s life. Children are born ready to learn. They are naturally curious and motivated to make sense of the world around them. The brain is the only organ that is not fully formed at birth. Children’s relationships and experiences during the early years greatly influence how their brain grows.

How is Early Head Start different from Head Start?

Early Head Start provides a prenatal curriculum in the home for pregnant women and is a program for infants, toddlers and twos.  Basically, it provides child development and family support services to parents who are expecting a child and/or have children ages birth to three years old.

What is Head Start?

Head Start is a comprehensive child development program for preschool children age three to five years old. Most children enter Head Start at the age of four years old but earlier is better. A Head Start experience can increase a child’s school readiness success. Most Head Start classrooms offer a morning or afternoon session.

What can I do to help my child be successful in Early Head Start or Head Start?

Head Start-Early Head Start respects parents as the primary teacher and nurturer of their children. Staff will depend on you to tell them about your child’s personality, what he/she likes to do, and about the health, physical and nutritional needs of your child. Your child’s teacher or home visitor wants to hear about your child’s successes as well as difficulties. This information will help the staff plan educational goals for your child.

How can I help my child learn?

Children learn best through their everyday experiences with the people they love and trust, and when they are having fun. Staff can suggest activities for your family to do at home that help your child learn or you can share your ideas with staff.

What program option is best for my child?

The program option that is best really depends on you and your family routine. If you work or attend school, a full-day program could be your first choice. Otherwise, a part-day program might be a better fit for your family. Home-based services work well for parents with infants and toddlers because the home visitor comes to you. Some parents with three year olds prefer a ‘combo’ program that allows for a combination of home visits and attendance at a center.

Not all program options are offered in every community. See the map and program locator for more information.

If my child has a disability, can he/she participate in an Early Head Start or Head Start program?

Since the beginning of Head Start, the program has included children with disabilities. In fact, ten percent of enrollments are offered to children with mild delays to more significant disabilities. Staff will work closely with local Special Education departments and Early On agencies to insure your child’s special education needs are met.

Is there a cost for my child to attend Early Head Start or Head Start?

Rather than pay a fee, parents ‘pay’ by taking part in program activities. In fact, donated time has a value and can be counted toward the program’s requirement to match federal grant dollars. Without this match, the program would not be funded.

The great thing is that your participation not only helps the program but it also helps your child become a better learner. Parents who are involved in their child’s education often have children who are more successful in school.