Early Head Start

Early Head Start (Prenatal-3 years)

Early Head Start strives to have the greatest impact on participating children by offering supportive services as early in life as possible. The foundations of school readiness begin in pregnancy and continue through the first three years.  For infants and toddlers, this is achieved by setting routines and building nurturing relationships.

Services to Pregnant Women (SPW)

NHA’s Early Head Start programs provide prenatal information through classes, support groups, and home visits on the following subjects:

  • fetal development, including the risks from smoking and alcohol;
  • labor and delivery;
  • postpartum recovery, including information on maternal depression

Home-Based

Services are provided in the home to children ages birth to 3 years old and their families. A Home Visitor makes weekly visits to provide comprehensive services in the family’s home. A socialization, conducted twice a month, allows children and families to mutually interact in a group setting and to learn a variety of skills and topics of interest important to the educational development of the child.

Center-Based(Full-day)

Services are provided in a classroom environment to children ages 18 months to 3 years old.  Children have a daily schedule that includes engaging indoor and outdoor activities with hands-on experiences, music and movement, nutritious family style meals, and potty training.  The full day option is available to families that meet requirements for employment and/or enrollment in a vocational/training program.

Center-Based (Combination Option)

The Home-Based Combo option is a combination of part-day, center-based services and home visits to children ages 18 months to 3 years old.  Children have the opportunity to participate in a school-based setting a few days a week and also receive an individualized home visit per month.