Durham's Early Head Start Program
Background
The Federal Early Head Start Program (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. 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; and to help parents move toward self-sufficiency.
Durham’s Early Head Start program was the culmination of a larger effort in Durham to prioritize the needs of infants and toddlers and their families through a community strategic planning process. As a result of the specific needs identified, the strategic planning group identified the development of an Early Head Start program as a key vehicle for improving services for our most at risk children and families. Click here to learn more about Durham's Infant and Toddler Initiative.
Durham’s Early Head Start ProgramThe Durham EHS program will serve 120 children, families, and pregnant women through two different program options: intensive home visiting services and high quality center-based child care. Participants in both program options will have access to comprehensive services that include:
- Health, medical and nutrition services
- Mental health services
- Child dental services
- Services to enhance self-sufficiency
- Services for children with disabilities
- Parent involvement in decision-making
Durham’s Early Head Start Program is collaboration between Durham’s Partnership for Children, Chapel Hill Training and Outreach Project and Healthy Families Durham at the Center for Child and Family Health.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Durham’s EHS program will serve pregnant women and families with children under the age of 3. To qualify, families must live in Durham and meet the federal poverty guidelines established by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
| Family Size | Family Income | Family Size | Family Income |
| 1 | $ 14,079 | 5 | $ 33,527 |
| 2 | $ 18,941 | 6 | $ 38,389 |
| 3 | $ 23,803 | 7 | $ 43,251 |
| 4 | $ 28,665 | 8 | $ 48,113 |
Resources and Links
North Carolina Head Start Association
Early Head Start National Resource Center
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center
Zero to Three
Head Start Performance Standards