4/2014

By Hannah Matthews and Stephanie Schmit

Introduction
What is Early Head Start?

Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally-funded, community-based program that provides comprehensive child and family development services to low-income pregnant women and families with children under the age of 3. The mission of EHS is to support healthy prenatal outcomes and enhance the intellectual, social, and emotional development of infants and toddlers to promote later success in school and life.

All federally-funded EHS programs must comply with federal Head Start Program Performance Standards. These standards address: child health and development, education and early childhood development, child health and safety, child nutrition, child mental health, family partnerships, services to pregnant women, and services for children with disabilities.

Source: CLASP

Available at: http://www.clasp.org/resources-and-publications/publication-1/State-Leaders-EHS-3.pdf