Program Overview:

Early Head Start/Head Start strives to improve and promote parent/family engagement to achieve positive outcomes, resulting in children who are healthy and ready to learn. 

Research demonstrates that, in order for children to thrive, they must have a healthy, stable home environment. Family engagement is a critical piece of our Early Head Start/Head Start program. A family assessment, communications between the teacher and parents, and home visits engage parents in their child’s learning and development. Parents are supported in achieving their own goals. They receive training and referrals for community resources. The Early Head Start/Head Start Program supports and strengthens parent-child relationships and engages families around children’s learning and development. Parents also volunteer in the classroom, on field trips, and some serve on the Policy Council.

Age Requirements:

• Early Head Start – Pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers (birth – age 2)
• Head Start – Child must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before September 1st of the school year

Priority families: 

• Household income up to 130% of the poverty level 
• Family homelessness
• Child in foster care
• Family receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP)

VPK

Head Start is a Florida VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) provider. Parents must obtain a valid VPK certificate. Certificates and additional information are available by contacting the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee Counties (ELC- IRMO) at (877) 220-1223 or by visiting ELC’s website: 

 https://www.elcirmo.org/voluntary-pre-kindergarten/ 

Local Locations

EOC’s seven (7) Centers in Indian River and Okeechobee Counties serve over 300 children each year. All locations offer Head Start services for children 3 -5 years of age.

Early Head Start services, for pregnant mothers, infants, and toddlers are currently provided at our Douglas Head Start and St. Helen’s Head Start (2 year olds). 

Why Choose Early Head Start/Head Start?

• EOC has a 60 year track record of success.
• The curriculum is evidence-based.
• All teachers have at least a CDA.  Each Head Start classroom has at least 1 teacher with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
• Head Start engages the family in the child’s learning.
• EOC offers additional resources and programs to help your family succeed.
• Your child deserves the best!

Why is it Important to Give Your Child an Early Head Start/Head Start?Children must be prepared for educational success by age 5 to succeed in school, work and life. According to the Indian River County Children’s Needs Assessment 2024-2027:

• 49% of Indian River County children not kindergarten-ready.
• 40% of Indian River County 3rd graders read below grade level.

Low-income children who don’t receive high-quality early care and education often become statistics:

• 25% more likely to drop out;
• 40% more likely to become a teen parent;
• 50% more likely to be placed in special education;
• 60% more likely not to attend college;
• 70% more likely to be arrested for a violent crime.

The highest rate of return in early childhood development comes from investing as early as possible, from birth through age five, in disadvantaged families. Starting at age three or four is too little too late, as it fails to recognize that skills beget skills in a complementary and dynamic way. Efforts should focus on the first years for the greatest efficiency and effectiveness. The best investment is in quality early childhood development from birth to five for disadvantaged children and their families.” 

       ~ James J. Heckman, Nobel Prize Winning Economist

The program is free for participants.
A 20% local match is required, through in-kind and donations.