"Strong Families = Strong Communities"

The Kids Incorporated Early Head Start (EHS) program serves eligible families in Jefferson, Leon and Madison (Florida) counties.  The program provides comprehensive services to low-income pregnant women and children - birth through three years of age - and their families.  Participants must meet income eligibility requirements and a minimum of 10% of the children served have special needs.

History of Early Head Start:

Congress established the EHS program as part of the reauthorization of the Head Start program in 1994.  In creating this program, Congress acted upon evidence from research and practice which illustrates that early intervention through high quality programs enhances children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development; enables parents to be better cvaregivers and teachers to their children; and helps parents meet their goals, including economic independence.  Such programs answer an undeniable need.

Program Governance:

The Kids Incorporated EHS program is governed by a system of shared governance that includes the Board of Directors, EHS Policy Council, Parent Committees and the Kids Incorporated Management Team.  Effective communication among these groups ensures the EHS program meets families' needs through quality services.  The shared governance structure supports the role of parents in the program's success, providing ample opportunities to get involved and offer critical input into the program management.

The Kids incorporated EHS program provides the following comprehensive services:

• Quality Early Learning
• operates 6 Early Head Start Centers
• 1-to-4 ratio of adults to children in each of the EHS classrooms
• individualized curriculum for each child
• screening & assessment tracked for improved child outcomes
•  Family Support
• individual & family goal setting
• parent education with monthly parent meetings
• strong parent involvement with shared system of governance & decision-making
• prenatal services
• Health & Disability Services
• annual dental, vision & hearing screenings
• referral to medical treatment for all identified children's needs

Successful Outcomes (FY 07/08):

• Maintained minimum 85% average daily attendance
• Transitioned 100% of 3 year olds to Head Start or other Pre-Kindergarten programs
• 189 referrals provided to other community organizations, with 100% of parents requesting and receiving assistance
• 100% of prenatal clients had healthy deliveries
• 100% of children immunized
• 100% of children had dental homes
• 100% of children received dental care

Family Demographics:

• 69% are working; 9% are students
• 20% of families receive public assistance
• 45% do not have their high school or GED diploma upon enrollment
• 81% are single parents/guardians

Key Facts: Significance of Early Learning:

• Critical window for emotional development is between birth & 18 months
• Majority of person's vocabulary is formed by age 3
• Neurological foundations for math & logic are formed by age 4
• 50% of a person's intelligence is formed by age 5
• Every $1 invested in high quality early learning results in $7 return in investment