Lutheran Services Florida
Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships
It’s never too early! That is – it’s never too early for parents to establish a special bond with their children; never too early to teach your children about respect; and it’s never too early for parents to talk to their babies, even en utero (before they’re born!).
As part of President Obama’s Early Learning Initiative, ACF set aside $635 million for new and existing Early Head Start-Child Care (EHS-CC) Partnerships and Expansion. In April of 2015, Lutheran Services Florida, Duval County, was awarded the grant, known as Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships (EHS CCP).
We, along with our child care partners, provide comprehensive services to 100 children and their families. Our services include:
- Education: 6 – 10 hours of early childhood education, including curriculum, which is aligned with the Head Start Performance Standards, as well as the Zero to Three initiative
- Health, including but not limited to: health records monitoring; speech, language and behavioral assessments; lead and hearing screenings; and daily health checks
- Family Engagement: We believe that parents are their children’s first teacher! Our family engagement activities offer parents leadership opportunities, education and training, and support in setting and accomplishing both individual and family goals.
We currently partner with agencies who share in our commitment to early childhood education and who – through their monetary support, donated goods, or direct services to our program – exhibit their devotion to our vision statement: “Ready for School, Prepared for Life.”
We invite you to join us!
Parents, please read the Eligibility Section to find out how to apply for our program. Scroll to “DOWNLOADS” to find our application and other useful documents.
Volunteers and Community Partners: If you are interested in volunteering, sponsoring a workshop or parent engagement activity, supporting us through donations or becoming a partner, please email us at ehsccppartners@lsfnet.org. Please download our Sample Partnership Agreement and Partners Brochure (including wish list) for more information on how you can support the families of Early Head Start.
ELIGIBILITY
Families must meet current Federal Poverty Guidelines in order to qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start. Foster children who are age eligible may qualify regardless of their family’s income.
Parents must provide the following documents when applying*:
- Birth Certificate (Proof of Guardianship/Custody if applicable)
- Proof of Residency
- Proof of Income for the past 52 weeks or previous calendar year (i.e. pay stubs, W-2, 1040, statement from employer, etc.)
- Documentation of child’s disability (if applicable)
- Photo Identification of Parent
- For those who qualify, a completed application to the Early Learning Coalition’s School Readiness program. This enrollment will increase the number of hours in care from 6 to 10 – especially beneficial to parents who work or are in school.
* Though not required at time of application, the child’s up-to-date physical exam and shot record must be on file prior to placement at a chosen center or family child care home.
Walk-in applications will be accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays at our Administrative office listed below. The application may be completed prior to your appointment; however, the parent must meet in-person with a staff member to sign the documents. Additionally, parents may contact us at ehsccpenroll@lsfnet.org to schedule an appointment with a FACE Specialist to register.
