2/27/2014

As part of President Obama’s Early Education Plan, ACF will support states and communities in expanding high quality early learning to over 100,000 infants and toddlers through the Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships. Through these partnerships, Early Head Start grantees will partner with center-based and family child care providers who agree to meet Early Head Start Program Performance Standards and provide comprehensive, full-day, full year high-quality services to infants and toddlers from low-income families.

The Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships will provide children and families with access to high-quality early learning experiences that support working families by providing a full-day, full-year program so that more vulnerable children have the healthy and enriching early experiences they need to realize their full potential.

In addition to high-quality early learning experiences, Early Head Start programs provide high quality comprehensive services that benefit children, families, and teachers, including:

• Health, developmental and behavioral screenings
• Higher health, safety and nutrition standards
• Increased professional development opportunities for teachers
• Increased parent engagement opportunities

How will Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership funds be awarded?

Funds will be awarded competitively through the Early Head Start grant process.

Who is eligible to participate in the Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships?

All agencies eligible to apply for Early Head Start funds can apply for Partnership competition grants, including tribes and territories, community organizations, non-profit or for profit organizations, and state and local governments.

Additional Resources

• Read an overview of the Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships Initiative
• Learn more about the President’s Early Learning Initiative
• Learn how to apply for ACF Grants
• Explore resources to develop successful partnerships between Early Head Start (EHS) grantees and family child care
• View a toolkit on blending and braiding early childhood program funding streams

Source: Administration for Children and Families

Available at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ecd/early-head-start-child-care-partnerships