Healthy child development relies on the earliest years. Attention to education, health, nutrition, and family support are critical for a strong upbringing. Programs like Head Start and Early Head Start help ensure that children ages 0 to 5 are set up for long-term success through all avenues. However, many families across the country have difficulty accessing these necessary resources for their infants and toddlers. Recent reports from the Office of Head Start show that there are nearly 300,000 fewer Early Head Start slots than Head Start slots, leaving young children and expectant families with nowhere to turn.
In response, ECS is evolving to address this need locally. This year, the Services for Expectant Families Program is expanding from only 18 enrollment slots to 90, serving five times as many families throughout the San Diego region.
This comprehensive program provides holistic support during pregnancy and after pregnancy, helping families receive the necessary tools to build a strong foundation for their child's growth and development.
Once enrolled, eligible expectant families have access to several services, including:
Following the birth of their child, families can continue receiving Early Head Start services through home-based or center-based learning through 3 years of age. This ensures a consistent system of care through every stage of early development. Families will also continue to receive child development resources, parent education, and advocacy services.
“By walking alongside parents during this important journey, we help build healthy beginnings, strengthen family well-being, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning,” said Child Development Specialist Erika Torres.
The Services for Expectant Families Program is actively enrolling pregnant individuals. To learn more about eligibility or how to apply, please visit www.ecscalifornia.org/apply.
