Early Head Start: A Standard of Quality

Early Head Start (EHS) was launched in 1995 to provide Comprehensive child and family development services for low-income pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers ages birth to three years. It is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.

Early Head Start (EHS) programs were established to provide early, continuous, intensive and comprehensive child development and family support services on a year-round basis.

The purpose of the program is to:

• Enhance children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development
• To support parents’ efforts to fulfill their parental roles
• To help parents move toward self-sufficiency
  

CCSD is currently partnering with multiple agencies to build a pipeline of supports for children from birth to graduation.

The district is now accepting applications for the Early Head Start Program for pregnant women, infants and toddlers. Applications were due Friday, April 16, 2010, but late applications are being accepted for consideration for the Early Head Start waiting list.

Applications must be completed both for the parent/guardian and the eligible child. Proof of income should be attached to the parent's application; if the parent is unemployed, a statement may be attached stating this. Please bring in both applications and supplemental documents to the Charleston County School District's Office of Early Childhood on 75 Calhoun Street or to Midland Park Elementary at 2415 Midland Park Road in North Charleston.

• Early Head Start Income Eligibility Criteria
• Frequently Asked Questions About Early Head Start
• Early Head Start Family Demographic Form - Section 1: Eligible Child
• Early Head Start Family Demographic Form - Section 2: Adult Applicant
• Early Head Start Sites
• Educación Inicial (Early Head Start) Formulario Demográfico de Familia - Sección 1:  Niño Elegible (Section 1- Spanish)
• Educación Inicial (Early Head Start) Formulario Demográfico de Familia - Sección 2:  Solicitante Adulta (Section 2- Spanish)
• Programa de Educación Inicial  (EARLY HEAD START) del Distrito Escolar del Condado de Charleston (Early Head Start Sites- Spanish)
• The following documents are needed to enroll a child in Early Head Start:
  • copy of the child's Social Security card
  • copy of the child's birth certificate
  • the child's immunization record
  • copy of the current pay stubs for each family member of the child's household
  • proof of residency (utility bill)
  • copy of MediCaid card
    

For more information, please contact Lerah Smith-Lee with the Office of Early Childhood at 843- 937-6563.