The Early Head Start's mission is to strengthen the community by providing cost effective, coordinated services to those in need, thereby increasing hope and self-esteem, encouraging goal achievement, and improving self-sufficiency.

• Organizing play groups for parents and children, giving them opportunities to socialize with other children age 0-3 in a safe, stimulating environment
• Provides weekly home visits for parent and child including planned activities that nurture and support children and help parents understand how their child is growing and learning
• Developmental and health screenings and assessments that ensure children are reaching important milestones
• Many opportunities for children and adults to play and learn together
• Helping parents to find time to play with their children and enjoy watching them develop

They support pregnant women by:

• Providing - weekly home visits with caring trained staff
• Health and nutritional guidance
• Help with preparation for labor and delivery
• Information on newborn care
• Home visit with a pediatric nurse to promote mother's and baby's good health

They support families by:

• Working with parents to set goals and make plans for the future.
• Providing workshops and training on topics such as: Parenting, GED, Women's Support Group, Disciplining your child, Crafts and hobbies, C.P.R. and much more.
• Provides- referrals to healthcare providers and additional community agencies, if needed. -help with life planning and budgeting. -in home mental health counseling, if needed. -opportunities for parent leadership through Parent Committee membership.

Statements from Sussex County Early Head Start Parents:

"I am happy that my daughter is in this program. It has helped her in many ways and she has developed well. I am totally satisfied with the Home Visitors who are very helpful and caring as well as kind and considerate."

I came into the program when I was pregnant. Early Head Start taught me basic parenting skills and also gave me the means to better my self-esteem. The Parent Committee meetings give those involved a sense of self worth and show the participants that they each have a voice and that their opinion is important."