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Early Head Start

Counties Served:

Brown County

Phone: (920) 436-4360 ext. 1388 or (920) 819-4666

300 Crooks St
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301

  • About Us
  • Services
  • Eligibility
  • Funding

Early Head Start and Head Start Home-Based programs are federally funded home visitation services designed to support and strengthen the bond between children and their parents. These programs offer individualized learning experiences to promote each child’s social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development.

Families enrolled in Early Head Start or Head Start Home-Based receive weekly home visits from a trained Family Support Specialist, who provides education, resources, and guidance to help ensure every child has an equal opportunity for success. In addition, parents are given opportunities to connect with other families, sharing in the joys and challenges of parenting through group activities and socializations.

 

All Early Head Start and Head Start Home Based services are free and voluntary to families living in Brown County who meet income eligibility requirements. Services may include:

1) Home Visits

  • A Home Visitor meets with the family once a week for about 90 minutes in their home.
    • The visit focuses on:
    • Parent-child activities to support development (social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive)
    • Parenting education
    • Health and nutrition guidance
    • Assistance for pregnant women to support a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery
    • Support for family goals (e.g., employment, housing, education)

2. Group Socializations

  • Families are invited to bi-monthly group socializations with other enrolled families.
  • These gatherings help:
    • Children build social skills
    • Parents network and gain peer support
    • Families experience structured learning environments together

3. Parent-Centered Approach

  • Parents are considered the primary educators of their children.
  • The program builds strong relationships with families to support child development and school readiness.

4. Comprehensive Services

  • Covers health screenings, nutrition, mental health, and developmental assessments.
  • Referrals to community resources for any additional support the family may need.

Early Head Start:

  • Prenatal mothers and families with children age birth to 3 years old are eligible for the Early Head Start program in Brown County.
  • Families meet federal income eligibility guidelines to enroll. Self-referrals accepted.

 

Head Start Home Based

  • Families with children age 3-5 years old are eligible for the Head Start Home Based program.
  • Families meet federal income eligibility guidelines to enroll. Self-referrals accepted.

For more information or to apply, please call (920) 436-4360 ext. 1388 or (920) 819-4666.

Early Head Start and Head Start Home Based is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Children and Families, and the Office of Head Start in partnership with CESA 7.

“Early Head Start has become my backbone, my support group, my motivator and, in a sense, the educational component I needed to become a better mom.”

— Mother in Early Head Start

FAQs

How long can I or my child be enrolled in Early Head Start?

Early Head Start:

  • Prenatal mothers can enroll at any point during their pregnancy and remain enrolled with their child until that child is eligible for transition, around age 3.
  • If a child does not enter the program prenatally, the child may enter the program from birth up until age 3.

 

Head Start Home Based:

  • Families with children between the ages of 3 and 5 may enroll in the Home-Based program. Children must be at least 3 years old at the time of enrollment. The program follows a school year calendar, operating from September through June.
What does a home visit look like?

Home visits take place once a week for a minimum of 90 minutes, scheduled at a time that works best for the parent or guardian. During each visit, the parent(s), child, and Family Support Specialist work together in the comfort of the family’s home to create meaningful learning experiences. These visits build on everyday routines and aim to support healthy development by turning daily moments into opportunities for growth and learning.

What is a socialization/playgroup?

Socialization/playgroup sessions offer parents and caregivers a valuable opportunity to receive feedback from staff, fellow parents, and community professionals about their child’s interests, strengths, developmental needs, and available resources. These gatherings also allow parents to observe how their child interacts with other children and adults, while connecting with other families to share experiences and gain support in the parenting journey.

Socialization/playgroups are held twice a month and include free transportation, meals, and snacks to ensure all families can participate comfortably.