Early Head Start and Head Start Programs Recruiting Children

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The city of Phoenix Human Services Department Early Head Start and Head Start programs are recruiting children for the 2014-15 school year. 

The Early Head Start program is seeking parents with children from birth to 3 years old and pregnant women to participate in this home-based program, which offers comprehensive parenting and education services to families.

Weekly home visits are made to families to educate them about child development, quality parent-child interactions and emphasize that parents are their children’s first teachers. 

Also, pregnant women receive weekly visits and are provided information about prenatal care, oral health, breastfeeding, postpartum depression, mental health, early intervention services, health and nutrition, and other resources.

Families participate in bi-monthly playgroups allowing the children and parents to socialize with other families and work on their children’s development skills.

The center-based Head Start program is looking for children 3 or 4 years old.  Parents of children with special needs are also encouraged to apply.

Head Start offers children from diverse backgrounds active learning activities, nutritious meals and snacks, health screenings, and disabilities and mental health services.  Some sites also provide full-day Head Start or childcare services for working families. 

The involvement of parents in education, program planning and operation is an important part of the Head Start program.  Parents play an active role in all aspects of the program.  Through that involvement and other training activities, parents are able to gain skills to help them secure employment. 

Families must meet federal income guidelines for family size to be eligible to enroll in these educational programs.