Early Head Start programs provide comprehensive and intensive services to pregnant women and children through age 3. Early Head Start programs have a triple mission of promoting healthy prenatal outcomes, enhancing the development of very young children, and promoting healthy family functioning. There are a number of Early Head Start programs throughout southern Illinois. The program focuses on providing services to low-income families with infants and toddlers, however, each Early Head Start program is responsible for determining its' own eligibility criteria. Early Head Start services can be provided in centers or as a home visiting option.
Agencies in southern Illinois that provide Early Head Start services are listed below.