What Benefits Are Available?
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What benefits will my family get from the Head Start / Early Head Start program?
There are four main types of benefits you and your family will receive from Head Start and Early Head Start:
Education: Your child will take part in a wide variety of learning experiences to help him or her grow intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally. The activities will help your child get a healthy start in life and be prepared and eager for school.
Health: Your child will be screened for health problems, and will be offered any needed immunizations, medical and dental care, mental health services, and nutrition education. Many Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide meals and snacks for your child.
Parent Involvement: In Head Start and Early Head Start, you will be actively involved in your child's development and education. You will be able to take parenting workshops and training programs and you will be shown activities you can do at home with your child. You may volunteer in the classroom or you may serve on a committee, helping to make policy decisions. The Head Start / Early Head Start staff will discuss your child's progress with you on a regular basis, through phone calls, notes, and home visits.
Social Services: Staff members will try to help your family in any way they can. They will visit your home to learn your family's needs and will make referrals and provide support to help you reach your goals. They will give support services and health referrals to pregnant women to assure a healthy pregnancy and birth. Head Start and Early Head Start believe that the classroom, the home, and the community are all important in your child's early education.
What program choices do I have?
The Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer several choices to meet the needs of families:
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Home-based programs or center-based programs, or a combination of the two.
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Part-time programs or full-time programs, depending on your child's age and needs.
Not all program options are offered in every community.
Is transportation available?
Transportation is sometimes available. Ask the staff at your local program. In some communities, preschool children attending full-day Head Start programs can take school buses.
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