EARLY HEAD START/HEAD START PROGRAMS - OAHU & HAWAII Island
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Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded program that provides prenatal, early childhood education and comprehensive services for low-income families with infants and toddlers under the age of three, and pregnant women. Early Head Start services are provided through two program options: center-based and home-based.
- In the EHS center-based option, education and child development services are delivered in a classroom setting with a group size of no more than eight to nine children. Staff also complete two home visits throughout the year and meet regularly with parents to develop child development and family engagement goals.
- Full-day (6.5hr/day) and extended day hours available depending on location
- Breakfast, lunch, and snack provided
- Diapers are provided
- Creative Curriculum implemented in all classrooms
- Caregiver to child ratio of 1:4
- Home visits twice a year
- Licensed by Department of Human Services
- State of Hawaii Child Care Subsidy accepted for extended day option (8-10hr/day)
- In the EHS home-based option, services are delivered through weekly home visits for each child. A home visitor provides child-focused visits that promote the parents’ ability to support their child’s development. Twice a month, the program provides group socialization activities to give children and parents the opportunity to come together and socialize through parent-child group activities. EHS home-based services are offered island wide on Oahu.
- Weekly home visits lasting 1.5 hours
- Group socializations twice a month
- Pre-natal curriculum for pregnant mothers
- Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum
Head Start (HS) is a federally funded program that provides early childhood education and comprehensive services for low-income families with children ages three to five years old. HS supports children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment. Services are provided in a classroom setting with hours of operation ranging from four to 10 hours a day.
HS is offered on Oahu at Kuhio Park Terrace and surrounding areas.- Center based services
- Part-day (4-5hrs/day), full-day (6hrs/day) , and extended day (8-10hrs/day) available depending on location
- Breakfast, lunch, and snack provided
- Toilet trained not required
- Creative Curriculum implemented in all classrooms
- Home visits twice a year
- Licensed by Department of Human Services
- State of Hawaii Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors accepted for extended day option (8-10hrs/day)
Call (808) 842-5996 on Oahu or (808) 961-0570 on Hawaii
In collaboration with the Early Intervention Section and the Department of Education, Early Head Start/ Head Start (EHS/HS) provides services to children with special needs and their families; providing an ideal environment to promote the development of new skills, and support families through the transition process.
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Required eligibility documentation:
- Verification of one of the following:
- Income for last 12 months (pay stubs, tax returns, written statement from employers, etc.)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- TANF benefits (Cash Benefits from Welfare)
- Confirmation of Foster Parent Status
- Copy of Child's Birth Certificate.
- For prenatal services we also require verification of pregnancy from your doctor.
Prior to entering the EHS or HS center-based program, the following additional items are required:
- Child’s tuberculosis clearance (within past 12 months for children at least one year old)
- Child’s current physical examination (Form 14)
- Child’s current immunizations record
*Early Head Start Child Care Partnership program at Kamaaina Kids, parents/guardians need to be working 30+ hours or attending school full-time and qualify for state child care subsidy. Partnership locations include Ewa, Barber’s Point and Maili.
For more information about the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership program, please call 808-676-2790.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the eligibility criteria for HS and EHS?
There are two criteria that need to be met to determine if a child is eligible:
- Age
- EHS – prenatal moms or children from birth to age three
- HS – children three to five years old. Child needs to turn three by July 31 and not be eligible for kindergarten entry
- Income
- 100% or below Federal Poverty Level
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Receiving public assistance (e.g. TANF or Supplemental Security Insurance)
- Foster Child
- Homeless
Is there a fee?
EHS/HS is a free comprehensive child development program that supports low income families. There is a fee for extended day services, at select locations, which are not funded through the Office of Head Start.
- Verification of one of the following: