INFORMATION MEMORANDUM [See Attachment at the bottom]

TO: Head Start and Early Head Start Grantees and Delegate Agencies

SUBJECT: Services to Pregnant Women Participating in Early Head Start

INFORMATION:

The purpose of this Information Memorandum is to address the Head Start Program Performance Standards for services to pregnant women [45 CFR 1304. 40 (c)] in Early Head Start programs. The information and examples will describe best practices that support the intention of the federal guidelines.

A major focus of the Early Head Start program is services to pregnant women and their families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and their families in a variety of service delivery models and in diverse settings around the nation. This memorandum was developed in response to the questions raised by EHS programs that are designing and delivering these services. While family and community needs are different in every program, there are elements of high quality services that are consistent across programs. This memorandum discusses the importance of management systems such as the initial planning process and Community Assessment; defines enrollment and eligibility criteria; and provides clarification on how services are delivered to pregnant women and their families. This memorandum also describes the requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, community collaborations and the importance of coordinating services, as well as the vital role of the Health Services Advisory Committee. Please contact your Regional Office Program Specialist if you have questions regarding services to pregnant women in Early Head Start.

Windy M. Hill
Associate Commissioner
Head Start Bureau

Attachment:
Services to Pregnant Women Participating in Early Head Start