What is Early Head Start? Early Head Start is a developmental program providing services for pregnant women and children ages zero to 3 years old. Household income must be at or below 100% of the poverty guidelines (see Poverty Guidelines). Limited over-income slots are available. Some of the primary objectives of the Early Head Start Program are to increase the understanding of child development, offer parenting support, involve parents in their child’s play through socials and other activities and provide each child with a complete health plan. This program has two options; center-based and home-based. The center-based program is for children whose parents are working and/or in school and in need of childcare between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. These children attend developmentally appropriate classrooms and receive home visits from teachers throughout the year. The home-based program serves pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers in their home. Staff use a prenatal protocol for pregnant women and an infant/toddler curriculum with children. A required part of the home-based option is for each family to attend two socialization experiences per month. Children from both options may be transitioned into Head Start when the child turns three years old, but children are not guaranteed an enrollment slot. To apply for Early Head Start, click on Enrollment Application.