[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2301″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The science of early childhood development clearly demonstrates that brain development is most rapid in the first years of life. Early childhood programs play a prime role in these formative years. In fact, a growing body of research indicates that children’s earliest experiences have profound impacts on brain development and child outcomes. The growth that takes place in these early years is tremendous and cannot be compared with any other age. That is why we need to do everything we can to start from the very beginning to prepare children for success – in school and in life.

Early Head Start partners with select child care programs in our area to provide children and families with increased access to high-quality early learning experiences. These partnerships support working families by providing a full-day program so that children have the healthy and enriching early experiences they need to realize their full potential. Quite simply, they can help ensure that a child’s entire day in non-parental care takes place in an environment that meets federal EHS Program Performance Standards.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”45px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Child Development & Education

The educational program reflects the standards identified in the Head Start Performance Standards. Staff receives intense training during Pre-service, annually. Ongoing technical support and assistance is provided by the service coordinators[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Health and Wellness

Good health is essential. It provides the foundation from which very young children can grow, develop, and learn. A child who is sick, tired, hungry, or in an unsafe environment may not have the energy and strength to fully participate in learning. Early Head Start ensures that children enrolled benefit from access to ongoing comprehensive health services, as well as a variety of opportunities to enhance and strengthen children’s mental wellness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Family Engagement

Families are young children’s first and most important teachers. Early Head Start works with families as equal partners to support children’s ongoing development and learning. This work can help families achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their children through social support, information, parental education and leadership training.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta_button2 h2=”How do I apply for Early Head Start?” txt_align=”center” title=”Learn More About Programs and Enrollment” color=”peacoc” size=”sm” accent_color=”#f9f1b5″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.grecs.org%2Fearly-head-start%2Fearly-head-start-applicants%2F|title:How%20To%20Apply|”]Find eligibility information and learn how to apply for services. You can also view the Parent Handbook and learn more about our Early Head Start partner centers.[/vc_cta_button2][/vc_column][/vc_row]