Purpose: The Early Head Start Program is a federally funded program that provides comprehensive services to expectant families and families who have children birth to age 3 in Attleboro, Brockton, Fall River, Middleboro, New Bedford, and Norton. Our Early Head Start center-based program (EHS) provides free comprehensive services and supports to families with children birth to age 3 in one our partnership child care centers, who meet income eligibility guidelines and are working full time. Service areas include Brockton, Fall River, and New Bedford. Comprehensive services in both our program options include child development, dental health, mental health, nutrition, parent engagement, safety, school readiness, social services and wellness. Early Head Start is funded through a federal grant by the Department of Health and Human Services. Early Head Start is an equal opportunity provider and supports children of all abilities and families from all cultures.
Philosophy
Since a parent is the most important person in a child’s life, it is essential that EHS staff and parents work together to individualize goals that promote healthy development and attachments with their children. Staff and parents form partnerships to understand each family’s unique differences, personal values, and cultural expectations.
Program Goals
- Increase parents’ understanding of the importance of a nurturing relationship as well as children’s behavior and development
- Involve parents in setting developmental goals that enhance school readiness
- Assist parents to achieve economic self-sufficiency
- Playgroups for parents and children (transportation available)
- Parent Support Groups
- Resource and Referral to local community agencies as needed
- Parent Education workshops and trainings
- Family Activities
- 2x year home visits provided by Parent Child Coordinator (PCC) and Teacher
- Diapers, formula and wipes provided for free while in attendance at centers
- Resource and Referral to local community agencies as needed
- Involvement in Child Screening & Assessment
- Family Activities
- Parent Education workshops and trainings
- Weekly communications provided by assigned PCC
- Resource and Referral to local community agencies as needed
- Interpreter services
- Transportation is available to EHS children, made possible by United Way of Greater Plymouth County
Reports and Summaries
Additional Resources
Department of Medical Assistance/MAHealth
Department of Public Health
Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers
Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Department of Developmental Disabilities
ARC of North Bristol County
The Best Colleges for Single Parents
Massachusetts Adult Day Services Association
Department of Elder Affairs
Cerebral Palsy Group
Department of Transitional Assistance
National Parent-Child Home Program
Zero to Three
Federation for Children with Special Needs
Early Head Start National Resource Site
Bristol Elders Services, Inc.
Massachusetts Head Start
Massachusetts Family Ties
Advocates for Autism of MA
Contact Us!
To make a center-based program referral, please contact Meagan Rudenauer at 774-406-3307. To make a home-based program referral, please contact Sandy Furtado at 508-682-1251. If you would like to contact us by email, please use the form below.
