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SCOTTVILLE — FiveCAP currently has openings for its Early Head Start Program. The program provides a support structure to the families during a child’s formative years before preschool by partnering parents with specialists (home teachers) who perform 90-minute home visits weekly and facilitate socialization events twice a month.
During the home visits, the specialists work with parents, encouraging them to embrace their role as their child’s first teacher. Together, they develop lesson plans and work toward goals, both for the child and the family as a whole. Each plan is specifically tailored to the individual child.
“They are also able to then guide the parents, helping them learn how to bring about moments of growth,” said Mary Trucks, executive director of FiveCAP. “During these years, every experience produces an opportunity. While taking walks together, parents can discuss colors and shapes with their kids. Setting the table for dinner is a practice in patterning.”
Early Head Start is open to eligible Mason County families, beginning in the second trimester of pregnancy. Before the baby is born, Early Head Start specialists work with the expecting parents to prepare for the child’s birth, helping to inform the family of practices that will assure the baby is born in good health. Once the child is born, the specialist helps the family keep track of necessary doctor visits, scheduled immunizations and other important infant wellness needs.
Once an Early Head Start child reaches the age of 2 1/2, the specialists begin working on “mission transition,” a program that helps prepare children and their families for preschool. Most Early Head Start students transition to Head Start preschools, so introducing the kids to the classrooms and teachers they will be spending time with once they turn 3 is an important part of the process.
Families qualify for Early Head Start if their household income is at or below the federal poverty level. For a two-person household, this is $21,150 annually and increases by $5,500 for each additional person residing in the home.
For more information on the program, contact FiveCAP at 231-757-3785.
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