December 14, 2020 What Types of Child Care Are Available? About Did you know that there are several types of early childhood education and care programs that you can enroll your child into? To find a program type that works best for your family, review the options listed below. Available Program Types Child Care Center At a child care center that is state-certified by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), care and education services are provided to more than seven children. Family Child Care Home In a family child care home that is state-certified by OCDEL, one caregiver provides care and education services for three to six children who are not related to them in a home setting. Group Child Care Home In a group child care home that is state-certified by OCDEL, care and education services are provided for up to 12 children in a home or commercial setting. Relative Care Through relative care, one caregiver provides care and education services for no more than three related children in a home setting who may be eligible for subsidy reimbursement. Public School A public school provides pre-kindergarten programming. These schools may be publicly or privately funded. Private School A private school provides pre-kindergarten programming. These schools are funded by the individual family or school. Other Things to Consider Child Care Works Through Child Care Works, federal and state-supported child care subsidies are provided to income-eligible families who either work or attend school or training programs and pay a co-pay. Subsidies are paid directly to a provider in a home, child care center, or community-based setting. To see if you are eligible or to receive assistance in finding child care, contact your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). Head Start Head Start is a federally-funded comprehensive early childhood education program supplemented by state investment. Through the program, infant, toddler, and pre-kindergarten opportunities are provided at no cost to income-eligible families (100% of poverty). Children with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as children who are learning English as a second language, may also qualify. Programs are found in homes, child care centers, schools, and community-based settings. To see if you are eligible or to receive assistance in finding child care, contact your local ELRC. Pre-K Counts Pre-K Counts provides state-supported high-quality pre-kindergarten opportunities at no cost to income-eligible families (300% of poverty). Children with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as children who are learning English as a second language, may also qualify. Pre-K Counts classrooms are found in child care centers and schools. To see if you are eligible or to receive assistance in finding child care, contact your local ELRC. School Districts School districts allocate funds from their general fund to support their pre-kindergarten programs. Privately Funded Birth to Kindergarten Privately Funded Birth to Kindergarten is user-funded programming that is often provided by a nonprofit, for-profit, religious organization, or university. Child and Adult Care Food Program The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides aid for the provision of nutritious foods for children birth through school age. To learn more about this program, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website. Quality Assurance Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. NAEYC, NAFCC, and NECPA accreditation are voluntary private-pay national initiatives. Each ELRC offers access to information, services, and resources to promote high-quality early childhood education. Quality Coaches provide support and technical assistance to programs working to build quality. Home Visiting Programs and Support Services Home visiting services give parents and others raising children the support necessary to improve their health, safety, literacy, and economic self-sufficiency. Trained professionals visit women, families, and children to provide parent education and support in order to promote child well-being and development. The six evidence-based home visiting models in Pennsylvania include Early Head Start, Family Check-Up, Healthy Families America, Nurse-Family Partnership, Parents as Teachers, and SafeCare Augmented. Early Intervention Early Intervention is a system of publicly-funded services for children birth to age five with developmental delays or disabilities. Early Intervention supports and services are embedded in typical routines and activities within the family, community, and/or early care and education settings. Parents who have questions about their child’s development can call the CONNECT Helpline at 1.800.692.7288. Print This Resource This resource is available as a printable PDF. For additional assistance in finding an early learning program that meets your needs, check out our family guide, “How to Find, Choose, and Pay for High-Quality Child Care.”
The Brain Architects Podcast, Center on the Developing Child About Launched in January 2020 by the Center on Child Development at Harvard University, The Brain Architects Podcast explores common questions that parents and caregivers have during the early periods of their child’s life. The podcast brings together experts and practitioners from pediatrics, social services, education, and other fields of study to help guide caregivers in improving the lives of their young children. Featured Topics The podcast explores a variety of early childhood topics, including, but not limited to self-care, toxic stress, serve and return, brain architecture, mental health during COVID-19, and more. Learn More To start listening, visit the podcast webpage.
Childhood Development and Lifelong Health, Center on the Developing Child About Are you interested in learning how early childhood development and environments impact children’s lifelong physical and mental health? Check out the Center on the Developing Child’s whitepaper, “Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body: Early Childhood Development and Lifelong Health Are Deeply Intertwined.” Featured Topics In the whitepaper, researchers explore: what 21st-century science is teaching us, how early adversity affects developing biological systems, common illnesses in adults that have roots in early childhood adversity, facts about the health that are often misunderstood, future directions for policies and practice, and final reflections in a COVID-19 world. Learn More For more information, view this resource from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child.
Breastfeeding Resources, Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh About To support expecting, new, and breastfeeding parents, the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh created a series of digital resources that feature information on Breastfeeding 101, How to Latch Your Baby, Breastfeeding Myths, Newborn Hunger Cues, and more. Additionally, the Center provides access to coordinated care, virtual visits, lactation consultations, prenatal breastfeeding classes, breastfeeding supplies, and more. To learn more, visit their website or call 412.246.4726. Access Digital Resources To access the full database of resources, visit the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh website.
Anti-Racism Resources for Families About As parents and caregivers, we have a responsibility to ensure that every child and family is safe from racism and discrimination and has equitable opportunities to thrive. In order to do this, we must begin with ourselves. Set aside time in your day to do a personal inventory. What thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have you contributed to upholding systems of racism? What assumptions are you making? What actions or inactions have you taken that contribute to systems of oppression? Next, consider your family and your friends—what behaviors, statements, or jokes have gone unchecked? What actions or inactions have you taken within your interpersonal relationships that have contributed to an unsafe community for our black and brown children, neighbors, and colleagues? How might you begin to lead by example within your own family or community? Anti-racism work is something that has to be attended to in an ongoing way. In order to support you in this work, Trying Together compiled the following resources. This list is not exhaustive. Resources for Adults Video: ‘I Can’t Breathe: From Agony to Activism’, Pitt Diversity Implicit Bias Test, Harvard Anti-Racism Resources, Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein Black History Month Library African American History: From Emancipation to the Present, Yale 5 Ways White People Can Take Action in Response to White and State-Sanctioned Violence, Medium The critical role white parents play in shaping racism — and eradicating it, PBS How Not to be an Ally: Common missteps and advice for effective allyship, Psychology Today An Anti-Racist Reading List, The New York Times Mental Health Support and Education, Steel Smiling Center for Race & Gender Equality, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Race Research Online Directory, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work How to raise anti-racist kids: 20 resources for parents, Motherly Podcast: Notice the Rage, Notice the Silence, On Being with Krista Tippett Talking About Race, National Museum of African American History & Culture Want to support Black Lives Matter? Here’s where to start in Pittsburgh., Kidsburgh Why Raising Kids to ‘Not See Color’ Doesn’t Help Fight Racism, HuffPost Video: What I am learning from my white grandchildren – truths about race, TEDx Talks Video: Juneteenth Round Table with Rep. Chris Rabb & Rep. Ed Gainey, For Our Future Pennsylvania Race and Equity Resource List, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Antiracism Meditation Confronting Prejudice: How to Protect Yourself and Help Others, Pepperdine University In My Skin Podcast, University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development Mental Health Issues Facing the Black Community, Sunshine Behavioral Health Our Family’s Commitment to Being Anti-Racist, PBS Kids Black Lives Matter, Substance Abuse, and Addiction Recovery in the United States, Addicted.org Citizen Journalism and Political Protests, Syracuse University Black Boys Matter: Cultivating Their Identity, Agency, and Voice, NAEYC Things to Know If You Love a Multiracial Child, Embrace Race COVID-in-Color: Race-conscious Resources For Children & Families, Embrace Race Exploring & Understanding Structural Racism, Embrace Race “Love is not enough”: Supports for Transracial Adoptive Families, Embrace Race Nurturing Resistance & Joy in Black Children, Embrace Race Raising Muslim American Children Who Thrive, Embrace Race Anti-Hate Safety Resources, Asian American Federation Asian Americans Advancing Justice BIPOC Addiction and Mental Health Resources, Addictions.com Discussing Racism and Violence with Children Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News, Child Mind Institute Video: A Clinical Perspective on Talking to Kids About Racism, Child Mind Institute Transcript: A Clinical Perspective on Talking to Kids About Racism, Child Mind Institute Talking to Children About Race, Policing and Violence, The New York Times Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource for Educators, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids, Center for Racial Justice in Education Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate, Parents.com ‘Raising White Kids’ Author On How White Parents Can Talk About Race, NPR George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. What do we tell our children?, USA Today They’re not too young to talk about race!, The Children’s Community School Talking to Children About Racial Bias, HealthyChildren Video: “How do I make sure I’m not raising the next Amy Cooper?” with Jennifer Harvey, Embrace Race Talking Race with Young Children, NPR How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism, Parent Toolkit 10 tips for teaching and talking to kids about race, Embrace Race How to Talk with Kids About Racism and Racial Violence, Common Sense Media Resources for Talking About Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids, Center for Racial Justice in Education How to Talk to Your Children About the Protests, The Wall Street Journal Talking about Race with Kids and Teens, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Talking with Children About Racism, Police Brutality and Protests, Aha! Parenting How To Talk To Your Kids About Race, Racism And Police Violence, WBUR How to talk to kids about racism, explained by a psychologist, Vox 21 Anti-Racism Videos to Share With Kids, We are Teachers Experts answer your kids’ tough questions about race and racism, The Hechinger Report Talking to Children Authentically about Race and Racism, PBS Kids How To Talk About Race And Protests With Your Kids, Explained By A Child Psychologist, WBUR The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special, Sesame Workshop Video – PBS KIDS Talk About: Race & Racism, PBS Kids Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism: A Discussion Guide, PDB Kids Raising Kids Who Embrace Race, National PTA Talking to Kids About Anti-Asian Racism, Time for Kids Asian Americans K-12 Education Curriculum, Asian Americans Advancing Justice So You Want to Raise a Young White Ally?, Embrace Race Supporting Children’s Leadership & Activism, Embrace Race Supporting Healthy Racial Learning in Early Childhood, Embrace Race Talking to Kids About Racism and Violence, Child Mind Institute Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Adoptive Families, Child Welfare Information Gateway Raising Socially-Conscious Kids: Talking About Skin Color, First Up Children’s Books I Too Am America, by Langston Hughes, ages 5+ Baby Blessings: A Prayer For The Day You Were Born, by Deloris Jordan, ages 0-6 Lullaby, A Poem, by Langston Hughes, ages 0-6 Welcome, Precious, by Nikki Grimes, ages 0-5 Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grow Up to Become Malcolm X, by IIyasha Shabazz, ages 6+ CROWN: An Ode To A Fresh Cut, by Derrick Barnes, ages 3-10 Turning 15 On The Road To Freedom: My Story of 1965 Selma Voting Right March, by Lynda Blackmon, ages 12+ A Child’s Introduction To AA History, by Jabari Asim, ages 5+ 10 Children’s Books About Racism And Activism To Help Parents Educate Their Kids, HuffPost 31 Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance, Embrace Race These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids, The New York Times Books About Racism and Social Justice, Common Sense Media Books on race and racism, by age, recommended by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Kidsburgh Reading Race in Picture Books with Children, Embrace Race Jill and Christine: Books to Teach Kids About Diversity and Anti-Racism, First Up Resources for Social-Emotional Development Helping Children Cope With Frightening News, Child Mind Institute How to Foster Resilience in Kids, Child Mind Institute What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious, Child Mind Institute NASP: Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Trauma, National Association of School Psychologists Supporting Young Children after Crisis Events, NAEYC Coping with Grief After Community Violence, SAMHSA The Brown Mama Blueprint Podcast, Pittsburgh Brown Mamas Resources to Support Children’s Emotional Well-Being Amid Anti-Black Racism, Racial Violence, and Trauma, Child Trends
Remote Learning Resources About Trying Together compiled a list of remote learning resources to support parents and students as they navigate remote learning. Resources for Families 13 Activities to Make the Most Out of Video Chats With Kids, PBS Kids Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide, Office of Educational Technology The Distance Learning Toolbox Families Wish They Had, NAEYC Tools to Turn Your Kid into a Math and Science Pro, Common Sense Media Dr. G: How to support your kid’s mental health during back-to-school transition, Kidsburgh How Parents Can Help Kids Learn at Home, Common Sense Media How to Set Priorities This School Year, Child Mind Institute Back to School Guide for Families, Wide Open Schools Preparing for Back-to-School Success, Child Mind Institute How to Get Kids Ready to Video-Chat for Online Classes, Common Sense Media Tips for Partnering With Teachers in the New School Year, Child Mind Institute 30+ Preschool Themes with Free Printables, HiMama Back-to-School Anxiety During COVID, Child Mind Institute Resources on Face Masks for Children, OCDEL Strategies for Supporting Learning at Home, Child Mind Institute Parent Tips and Tricks for Distance Learning, Common Sense Media Back-to-School Tips for Kids Who Are Struggling, Child Mind Institute Kitchen Math: How Mealtime Can Support Kids’ Number Sense, PBS Kids How to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves, Child Mind Institute Anxious Stomach Aches and Headaches, Child Mind Institute 6 Tips for Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning, Common Sense Media Managing Your Own Anxiety During School Reopening, Child Mind Institute COVID-19 Resources For Childcare Centers, Preschools & Parents, HiMama Family Centers of Allegheny County Video: Parenting During A Pandemic Top 5 FAQs, A+ Schools Free Distance Learning Plans for K–2 Students and Their Families, Common Sense Media Keystone Scholars Resource Materials Pennsylvania issues health and safety guidelines for pandemic learning pods, The Morning Call 7 lessons from Pittsburgh moms with experience in online learning, Kidsburgh Learning at Home: 5 Steps to Plan Your Day, PBS Kids Beyond Reopening Schools: How to grow connections between families and schools, Kidsburgh How to protect your kids’ eyes during remote learning, Kidsburgh Common Sense Media: Tips and tricks to manage your kid’s school-issued computer, Kidsburgh Video: Restorative Parenting During a Pandemic, A+ Schools How to help kids learn — and feel loved — during this challenging school year, Kidsburgh Remote learning has been a disaster for many students. But some kids have thrived, The Hechinger Report Virtual Learning Anxiety: How to Help Your Kids, Cleveland Clinic Resources for Students Free Educational Apps, Games, and Websites, Common Sense Media Homework Help Websites, Common Sense Media Academic Support Initiative, Gwen’s Girls 50 Social Distancing Activities for Kids, HiMama Child Care and Education Planning Tools Allegheny Child Care In partnership with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School-Time (APOST), Trying Together developed Allegheny Child Care. By using this online tool, parents and caregivers of young children can search for available child care spots at early learning, after-school, out-of-school, summer camp, and virtual programs in Allegheny County. To use the tool, visit the Allegheny Child Care website. For additional support in finding child care and/or funding your child care needs, visit the ELRC Region 5 website or call 412.350.3577. Family Care and Education Forum Trying Together launched the Family Care & Education Forum. This new resource connects parents and caregivers across Southwestern Pennsylvania and provides a space to ask questions, network, and support one another. Upon signing up, users will be able to post questions, respond to comments, and learn more about care and education opportunities in their area. To discuss your care and education plans for this fall with other families, visit the new Family Care and Education Forum. Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) provide a single point-of-contact for families, early learning service providers, and communities to gain information and access services that support high-quality child care and early learning programs. To request support and learn more, visit the ELRC Region 5 website or call 412.350.3577.
Childhood Health Programs About The following organizations provide childhood health programs and services to families. Let’s Move Pittsburgh As a healthy lifestyle program of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Let’s Move Pittsburgh offers a range of in-person and virtual programming, including the Let’s Move Pittsburgh Pop-Up Series. To learn more, visit the Let’s Move Pittsburgh webpage! Healthy Start The Allegheny County Healthy Start program is free for women who are pregnant, new parents, and families who have children up to the age of two years old. At this time, new program enrollment is open to pregnant women only. Please view the full list of eligible zip codes before applying. To enroll, complete the online enrollment form. Kids Plus Pediatrics With offices located in Squirrel Hill/Greenfield, Pleasant Hills, and Cranberry/Seven Fields, Kids Plus Pediatrics offers a range of services to families, including Kids + Fit, Well Child Visits, Dental Days, Virtual Visits, Parent and Caregiver Classes, and more. To learn more and schedule an appointment, visit the Kids Plus Pediatrics website. MAYA Organization Located in Swissvale, MAYA Organization provides access to classes, doula services, postpartum support, and counseling. Classes cover a range of topics, including pregnancy, birth, newborn care, breastfeeding, baby and toddler safety, and more. To learn more, visit the MAYA Organization website. Cribs for Kids Cribs for Kids provides cribs to babies whose mothers cannot afford them and educates mothers about the dangers of unsafe sleep environments. If you are in need of a crib, find a Cribs for Kids Partner in your area by using the online Find a Partner tool. Partners may have a specific set of requirements for receiving a portable crib and some may only provide safe sleep education. Additionally, Cribs for Kids offers a Safe Sleep Academy that provides information about safe sleep practices, childhood milestones, and more. To learn more, visit the Safe Sleep Academy website.
Childhood Physical Health: Resources About The following organizations provide information on health and human services; classes on childhood and family health topics; referral and service support; and more. COMPASS COMPASS is an online platform that enables Pennsylvanians to learn about, apply for, manage, and renew health and human service benefits. These services include, but are not limited to: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance, Early Intervention (EI) Services, and Child Care Works (CCW). To apply for services and learn more, visit the COMPASS website. Pennsylvania WIC The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to improve the health of women, infants, and children in Pennsylvania by providing services at no cost to families. Services are available for: pregnant women; breastfeeding women (up until one year postpartum); women up to six months postpartum (who are not breastfeeding); and infants and children under five years old (including foster children). To be eligible, the family must meet WIC income guidelines. Interested families can start their application online or call the toll-free WIC Hotline at 1.800.942.9467. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive health insurance coverage (including eye, dental, and hearing services) to uninsured children and teens. To be eligible for CHIP, children must: be under the age of 19; a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or qualified alien; a resident of Pennsylvania; and uninsured or not eligible for Medical Assistance. Eligibility is also determined by family size and income. To learn more and apply, visit the CHIP website. Information is available for grandparents and immigrants. Allegheny Lead Safe Homes Program The Allegheny Lead Safe Homes program offers qualifying homeowners and renters in Allegheny County with free lead-paint testing throughout their homes and hires a certified lead abatement contractor to repair any lead hazards found up to $12,000. Visit the Allegheny County website to view eligibility requirements and more. If you’re interested in participating, call 412.227.5700, email alleghenylead@actionhousing.org, or fill out the online form. For general program questions, call Jennifer Saks at 412.350.1032. Cribs for Kids Cribs for Kids provides cribs to babies whose mothers cannot afford them and educates mothers about the dangers of unsafe sleep environments. If you are in need of a crib, find a Cribs for Kids Partner in your area by using the online Find a Partner tool. Partners may have a specific set of requirements for receiving a portable crib and some many only provide safe sleep education. Additionally, Cribs for Kids offers a Safe Sleep Academy that provides information about safe sleep practices, childhood milestones, and more. To learn more, visit the Safe Sleep Academy website. Kids Plus Pediatrics With offices located in Squirrel Hill/Greenfield, Pleasant Hills, and Cranberry/Seven Fields, Kids Plus Pediatrics offers a range of services to families, including Well Child Visits, Dental Days, Virtual Visits, Parent and Caregiver Classes, and more. To learn more and schedule an appointment, visit the Kids Plus Pediatrics website. MAYA Organization Located in Swissvale, MAYA Organization provides access to classes, doula services, postpartum support, and counseling. Classes cover a range of topics, including pregnancy, birth, newborn care, breastfeeding, baby and toddler safety, and more. To learn more, visit the MAYA Organization website. Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh The Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh provides access to coordinated care, virtual visits, lactation consultations, prenatal breastfeeding classes, breastfeeding supplies, and more. To learn more and view their upcoming events, visit the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh website. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) connects families and caregivers to a wide range of early childhood health topics, including information on safety, immunizations, milestones, child passenger safety, and more. To view the list of topics and more, visit the CDC website. HealthyChildren.org Created by the American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org features a wide range of childhood health topics, including parenting during a pandemic, breastfeeding, developmental milestones, health conditions, and more. To learn more, visit the HealthyChildren.org website.
Play and Physical Activity Guide for Educators & Families, Recess Advocacy Team About The Recess Advocacy Team compiled a list of resources for educators and families to make sure play and physical activity are a part of children’s’ days and serve as a foundation for their learning, growth, and development. The list includes resources, activities, considerations, and ways that educators and families can incorporate play and physical activity into children’s daily routines. Resources for Play & Physical Activity 15-Day Family Fitness Challenge – Let’s Move at Phipps provides activities that encourage you to move, get creative, spend time together, and just take a moment. This resource offers a variety of playful activities. Moving More at Home – Free tools, resources, and games from Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kohls. Wide Open School Get Moving – Powered by Common Sense Media, this page features online videos that will guide you through physical activities. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Parks on the Go – Digital guides for exploring the outdoors from anywhere. Nature-Themed Yoga Series – Four weeks of nature-themed yoga activities brought to you by Open Up Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and Venture Outdoors. Creative Connections – Short videos created by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust teaching artists that cover multiple art forms. Creative Curriculums – Pennsylvania Standards-aligned, arts-integrated extensions to classroom curriculums that can be led for a group of students or for families to engage in at home. ATL Parent Like A Boss, Inc. – ATL Parent Like A Boss, Inc.’s mission is to enhance generational literacies through play in underserved African American communities. Follow the Facebook page for activity ideas. Keeping Children Active During the Coronavirus Pandemic – Physical activity guidelines for children ages three to twelve years old with options for indoor and outdoor activities. A Spanish version is available. Download This Resource The Recess Advocacy Team is a group of organizations dedicated to health and wellness, education, and play with a focus on recess practices and policies. To view the full list of resources, download the guide (PDF).
The Head Start Program and Its Benefits About Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from birth through ages five that is available to families with incomes no more than 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The program provides a learning environment that supports the cognitive, social, and emotional development of participating children. Many Head Start programs also offer Early Head Start, which serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level. To learn more about Head Start, visit Benefits.gov. Benefits of Head Start Did you know that children participating in Head Start programs have increased access to health care and improved physical health throughout their lifetimes? Evidence shows that Head Start children: were served more fruits, vegetables, and milk and fewer sweetened beverages and other sweets and snacks, when compared to other child care sites; are three times as likely to have healthy eating patterns as non-participants; who received 60 minutes of outdoor playtime were 42% less likely to be obese at the end of the program year; received sleep health interventions that increased their sleep duration and decreased their behavioral sleep problems; had access to regular screenings, immunizations, well-child visits, dental and nutrition services, healthy meals, and social service programs such as SNAP and WIC; and were less likely to be hospitalized for accident or injury, missed fewer school days, and had fewer emergency hospital visits. Apply for Head Start If you are interested in applying, contact a local program that is serving your community. To find a program near you, use the Head Start Center Locator tool featured on the Benefits.gov website. The program will provide all required forms and answer your questions. To be eligible, your household must make an income lower than specific annual income limits. These limits vary by household size. Visit Benefits.gov to see if your family is eligible. More Information To learn more, view this handout by the National Head Start Association.
