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

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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 # , Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.