Kelsey Hyde, Recruitment & Health Specialist khyde@nmcaa.net Early Head Start (EHS) Kelsey Hyde, Recruitment & Health Specialist khyde@nmcaa.net

What is Early Head Start? Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded program administered locally through NMCAA. We are a home visiting program serving expectant mothers and parents of children up to three years old. We currently provide weekly home visits to 80 enrolled children in the central services area (Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska Counties) on a year round basis. Child & Family Specialists provide weekly visits to support parents in guiding their child’s development and help families meet their personal goals and connect to community resources.

Home Visits Promote secure attachments Promote conscious discipline PAT Curriculum Assessments (ASQ, DECA, Edinburg Scale, OAE Hearing & Spot Vision) Strength-Based Activities to promote learning, development, parenting skills, etc.

Optional Monthly Playgroups 2 Playgroups each month Information on other playgroups/parent resources Socialization & support Healthy snacks Available to families on wait list

Community Resources, Supportive Services, & Assistance 235 families are enrolled and receive EHS home visits 14 expectant mothers received prenatal services 92 staff members were formerly served by Head Start Programs 86% of enrolled children received oral health examinations 92% of enrolled children were up to date on immunizations Available to families on wait list Attend community meetings to share services available Bundle services Budget counselor home visits Parent Trainings Provide baby gates, sleep sacks, nursing pads, safe-home equipment, blankets, gas cards, gap funds

EHS Timeline Transition Services Enrollment Application & Wait List Referral See Referral Form Application & Wait List Priority points, highest needs, income eligibility Enrollment ASQ, DECA, ISD, IFSP Services PAT is parent/child focused; resources as needed Transition Preparing child & family for next educational setting (Local info here)

Medical Resources Encourage Medical Home & Well Child Checks Encourage Follow-up & Help W/Scheduling Gas Cards & Appointment Funding Dental Services & Referrals ISD Referrals & Coordination Mental Health Services & Referrals – IMH Insurance Assistance Hearing & Vision Screening

Hearing & Vision Screening Have been able to refer many families to audiologists and ophthalmologists due to screening results Several children have received hearing or vision treatment as a result of referral from EHS Hearing and vision problems affect speech, language, social and emotional development, and school readiness

Developmental Foundations of School Readiness for Infants and Toddlers: A Research to Practice Report “There is a growing consensus based on recent research that early interpersonal experience and environmental factors literally shape the trajectory of brain development, with outcomes observed in childhood and adulthood.” (Horm, 2016) Horm, D., Norris, D., Perry, D., Chazan-Cohen, R., and Halle, T. (2016). Developmental Foundations of School Readiness for Infants and Toddlers, A Research to Practice Report, OPRE Report # 2016-07, Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.