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Early Head Start (EHS)

The Early Head Start (EHS) program is for low-income infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families. EHS programs enhance children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; assist pregnant women to access comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care; support parents' efforts to fulfill their parental roles; and help parents move toward self-sufficiency.

EHS staff member holds baby girl

Key EHS Elements

Objectives and Need for Assistance  

Father and daughter

Information to support identifying community needs and program planning.

Results or Benefits
Expected
 

Teacher interacts with little girl

Find information on expected outcomes for families, infants and toddlers in this section.

Approach & Program Design  

Boy and baby brother

Resources to show how plans and systems work to deliver quality services.

Staff & Position Data  

Staff member and child

Find out about required qualifications of staff and their roles and duties.

Organizational Profiles   

Staff members hold meeting

Find effective strategies for involving parents, families, and organizations.

Budget & Budget Justification  

Father and son interact

Allocation of resources is key to successful EHS program implementation.

References 

Father holds baby girl

Information found in this section focuses on Head Start Performance Standards.

Early Head Start 101 Toolkit

Staff member changes diaper

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