1. Early Head Start a Program of Family Services Inc. Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1908 Family Services Inc. Early Head Start Program 640 E. Diamond Avenue Suite A Gaithersburg, Maryland 301-840-3272 www.fsi-inc.org

2. EHS Program Overview EHS 147 Children Center Based 28 Children 12 Infants (6weeks – 24mos.) (Teen Parents) 16 Toddlers (24 mos. and older) (2s Class) Home Based 119 Children

3. Weekly home visits by trained staff Prenatal & parental education & support Referrals for assistance with food, clothing, health care, housing & more Opportunities for parents to develop leadership skills by participation in Policy Council What does the Early Head Start Program Provide?

4. Home-Based Services Families receive one 90-minute visit per week Home visits conducted by trained FSWs with participation of the parents The Parents as Teachers Curriculum is used to plan and implement the child development activities

5. Home-based Services (cont.) Purpose to help parents improve their parenting skills Teach them to use the home as the child’s primary learning environment so they may enhance the child’s growth and development

6. Center-Based Services The Discovery Station is open year round. Child care services from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm M – F and 7:30 to 3:30 on Tuesdays Center staff uses The Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers in individualizing lessons for each center child

7. Center-Based Services (cont.) Participants in our Center Based Teen Program are encouraged to seek a high school diploma Additional slots are filled with children of parents either attending other types of educational trainings, such as college courses, or are working

8. Personal Story…Yipsel Trana http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQKrahHnekc

9. Group Socializations Monthly group socializations are offered throughout the year Activities focused on children & parents Emphasize peer group interaction through age appropriate activities Connect parents to other parents in the program

10. Group Socializations (cont.) Outings to places like: – Fitness programs – Libraries – City Parks – And more…

11. Health & Specialized Services Registered Nurse (RN) on staff who assures that all children are compliant with medical and dental requirements Performs a new born visit within first 2 weeks

12. Nutritionist on staff available for training and consultations Mental health and nutritionist consultant on staff Infant and Toddler Specialists who oversee the implementation of all developmental screenings and are liaisons for children with special needs Health & Specialized Services (cont.)

13. Program Eligibility Income Requirements (100% Below the Federal Guidelines of Poverty) Live in catchment area

14. Zip Codes: 20839 20833 208322084120880 208422087220882 208372085020873 2088620838 2085120874 2089520871 2085220876 2085320877 2085520878 20860 20879 EHS Service Area by Zip Codes Montgomery County, Maryland Damascus Gaithersburg Olney Poolesville Rockville

15. Program Eligibility (cont.) Pregnant or have a child younger than 26 months Children receive services until age 3. Staff helps family transition to Head Start or other appropriate programs

16. "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin