Serving families with young children, the Eastern Family Resource Center offers comprehensive programs like Early Head Start and Head Start, focused on nurturing early childhood development and school readiness. We are committed to providing high-quality, accessible resources for families in our community.
Early Head Start: Nurturing Infants and Toddlers
Our Early Head Start program is a full-day, year-round initiative designed for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers from birth to age 3. Operating Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, we provide two flexible program options to suit your family’s needs:
- Home-Based Program: Ideal for pregnant women and families with children aged 0-3, our Family Development Specialists offer weekly home visits. This personalized approach allows for tailored support and education within the comfort of your own home.
- Center-Based Program: For children aged 0-3, our center-based program offers a stimulating and enriching environment for learning and socialization.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster holistic development during these crucial early years.
Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
Eastern Family Resource Center’s Early Head Start program utilizes the Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers. This approach recognizes that young children learn best through sensory exploration and active engagement with their surroundings. Our goals through this curriculum include:
- Cultivating Enthusiastic Learners: We aim to spark a lifelong love of learning in each child.
- Individualized Learning: Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and in ways that resonate with their unique learning styles.
- Building Positive Self-Esteem: We nurture a strong sense of self-worth, which is foundational for future success and well-being.
- Holistic Development: We focus on nurturing the whole child – spirit, mind, and body – ensuring balanced growth.
- Social Development: Creating a comfortable and trusting environment where children can confidently interact and build relationships.
- Emotional Development: Fostering self-confidence and emotional resilience.
- Physical Development: Enhancing both gross and fine motor skills through varied activities.
- Cognitive Development: Empowering children to become confident learners by encouraging exploration, experimentation, and celebrating their successes.
Head Start: Preparing Preschoolers for School Success
The traditional Head Start program at Eastern Family Resource Center is a full-day program (8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday) for children aged 3-5. Our curriculum is specifically designed to build school readiness skills, aligning with the standards set by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
We believe in a skills-based curriculum that actively involves families in their child’s healthy growth and development. By partnering with parents and creating high-quality classroom settings, we equip children with age-appropriate fundamental skills for a successful transition to school. Key areas of focus include:
- Reading Readiness: Developing letter sound recognition, word families, book awareness, and a love for reading through interactive experiences.
- Writing Skills: Learning letter shapes, spacing, upper and lowercase letters, and basic punctuation.
- Mathematical Concepts: Introducing numbers, counting, grouping, addition, subtraction, and foundational math facts.
- Circle and Small Group Time: Engaging in name recognition activities, calendar learning, dramatic play, educational songs, science exploration, and library time.
- Health & Wellness: Integrating the “I Am Moving, I Am Learning” curriculum, which uses music and movement to reinforce academic skills. We also incorporate daily outdoor play, swimming (when available), physical education, and more, generously supported by Giant Food’s Our Family Foundation.
- Arts & Humanities: Exploring creativity through replicating master artworks, finger painting, crafts, and other artistic expressions.
How to Enroll Your Child at Eastern Family Resource Center
Head Start programs are fully funded, making quality early childhood education accessible to all eligible families. To apply for your child’s scholarship and enroll at Eastern Family Resource Center, please follow these steps:
- Contact Us: Reach out to the Head Start center nearest to your home.
- Application Process: A Family Service Advocate or Family Development Specialist will guide you through the enrollment process and schedule a meeting to assist you with the application.
- Required Documents for Application: Please bring the following documents to your application meeting:
- Child’s Proof of Age: Birth certificate or legal document for children 0-5 years old, or proof of pregnancy.
- Proof of Residency: Current lease, phone bill, utility bill (BGE), etc.
- Proof of Income: W2 form, tax form 1040, 2 current consecutive check stubs, SSI documentation, child support documentation, etc.
Children are selected for enrollment based on a needs-based ranking system. Upon acceptance into the program, you will need to provide:
- Child’s Immunization Records
- Documentation of your child’s most recent physical exam and lead test/level results.
- Any other supporting documents as requested.
Eastern Family Resource Center is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment where children can thrive and families can access the resources they need to succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and the enrollment process.
