Program Components

1. Early Childhood Education

• Objective: Foster cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.

• Activities:

  • Age-appropriate curriculum with literacy, math, and problem-solving.

  • Play-based learning to encourage creativity and collaboration.

  • Individualized learning plans to address each child's needs.

• Delivery: Center-based classrooms or home-based visits for children aged 0-5.

2. Health Services

• Objective: Ensure children are healthy and ready to learn.

• Services:

  • Comprehensive health screenings (vision, hearing, dental).

  • Immunizations and medical referrals as needed.

  • Mental health support for children and families.

• Implementation: Partner with local healthcare providers for screenings and follow-ups.

3. Nutrition Services

• Objective: Provide nutritious meals to support growth and development.

• Services:

  • Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks meeting USDA guidelines.

  • Nutrition education for families to promote healthy eating habits.

• Implementation: Meals served in centers; home-based families receive nutrition guidance.

4. Family Engagement

• Objective: Empower parents as their child's first teacher and advocate.

• Activities:

  • Parenting workshops on child development and school readiness.

  • Family goal-setting sessions to support economic stability.

  • Opportunities for parents to volunteer in classrooms or serve on program boards.

• Implementation: Regular family meetings and home visits by program staff.

5. Community Partnerships

• Objective: Leverage local resources to enhance program impact.

• Partnerships:

  • Collaborate with schools, libraries, and community centers for resources.

  • Work with social services to connect families to housing, job training, or other support.

• Implementation: Establish agreements with local organizations to provide services.

Eligibility

• Children from birth to age 5 from families at or below the federal poverty line.

• Priority for children with disabilities, homeless families, or those in foster care.

Program Delivery

• Center-Based: Structured preschool environment with trained educators.

• Home-Based: Weekly home visits by educators to support parents in teaching their children.

• Combination: Mix of center-based and home-based services based on family needs.