Created in programs Based on recommendations from Advisory Committee on Services for Families with Infants and Toddlers in September 1994

Scientifically based curriculum Parent education and involvement Home visits in addition to parent conferences by education staff Full complement of comprehensive services Social service staff – resource and referrals Transition Community collaborations Meeting needs of special populations

Basic EHS philosophy is that the healthy development of young children (especially those birth to age 3) is contingent upon healthy relationships with the important adults in their lives Cognitive and physical developmental gains are achieved through these relationships Kindergarten readiness is a combination of all three

Home based Center based Family child care Expectant women Combination

Weekly home visits 90 minutes Focus on parent/child relationships Child development Parental goals toward self-sufficiency Resource and referral Bi monthly socializations

Primary care-givers Continuity of care Social service staff Small group size

Home visits bi-monthly 2-4 days group Parent education and involvement

Specific regulations Educators must have CDA within 2 years Must use curriculum based on scientific research Home visits, full complement of comprehensive services

Individualized schedule of visit Some visits include nurse Education on: Breastfeeding Post-partum depression Fetal development Includes partners Birth plan

Benefits for childrenBenefits to parents Higher scores in cognitive, language and social-emotional development Less aggressive behaviors More attentive during play with fathers Increased gains when enrolled early More supportive parenting Higher number of language and learning rich environments Read to child more Spanked less More self-sufficient Greater health benefits Fathers were less intrusive in play