Early Head Start
Early Head Start is a state funded early childhood program that serves pregnant women and children ages birth through three.
What makes Early Head Start different from other early childhood development programs is that we focus on the whole family and child to help ensure that each has the tools needed to be successful, each pregnancy healthy, and each child having the best start in life possible. By providing these services early in the life of a child, school success increases and families are connected to the resources they need. Different program options are available to ensure a good fit for each child and family.
How do I apply?
To apply for Early Head Start, please complete this application. This application is valid for most early childhood programming in Itasca County and for Early Head Start and Head Start in Koochiching County.
Children between the ages of birth to age three and pregnant women are eligible to participate in Early Head Start.
There is no cost to families.
KOOTASCA provides all learning materials and supplies.
- Center based classroom: Infants and toddlers attend a classroom setting four days per week. Eight children are enrolled in the classroom with a minimum of two staff in the classroom.
- Home-based: Families receive a home visit each week with an Early Head Start teacher. Parent, teacher and child play and learn together meeting the child at their developmental level as well as working towards educational and family goals.
Locations
Home-based Early Head Start is available throughout Itasca and Koochiching Counties and a Early Head Start Classroom is available in Grand Rapids.