The Early Head Start (EHS)/Pregnant Mom’s Programs were introduced to EEC Head Start in 1998. At its inception, the program served 80 children in home-based and Pregnant Mom’s programs. In 2001, the first center-based program was opened to serve 48 additional children. Currently, EHS serves two counties in Northwest Florida. EHS operates full-day, full-year programs. Download Application Apply Online Apply in person a from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 459 Grace Avenue, Panama City, FL. Remember to bring proof of income for the past 12 month’s and the child’s verification of age for eligibility purposes. Questions? Call us at (850) 818-9003 ex 1024 What is Early Head Start? Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. Head Start recognizes that you, as parents, are the first and most important teachers of your children. They welcome your involvement in Head Start activities, and will work with you as partners to help your child progress. Head Start staff offer your child love, acceptance, understanding, and the opportunity to learn and experience success. Head Start children socialize with others, solve problems, and have other experiences, which help them become self-confident. The children spend time in stimulating settings where they form good habits and enjoy playing with toys and working on tasks with classmates. Your child will leave Head Start more prepared for kindergarten, excited about learning, and ready to succeed. Professionals will arrange vision and hearing tests and any needed immunizations. Head Start offers a nutrition assessment and dental exams as well. Children with health needs receive follow-up care. Mental health and other services are available for children and families with special needs. Home Based Head Start The Home-Based and Pregnant Mom’s Programs provide comprehensive Head Start services to pregnant women, children, ages 0-3 years, and their families. Through the home-based option, families receive the same services as those participating in center-based programs. While the center-based Head Start option focuses on the child in a classroom setting, the home-based option focuses on the family and the child in a home setting. Our staff, called “Family Advocates”, have an opportunity to work with individuals within a family context and in the home environment. They help parents provide the developmental activities and support services that Head Start children receive in the center-based option. The Home-Based Program provides comprehensive services in education/child development, medical and dental health, nutrition, mental health, social services and parent involvement. Because the parent is considered a primary factor in the growth and development of their child, the Home-Based Family Advocates work intensively with the child’s parents and other family members. Home-Based/Pregnant Mom’s Visits Consist Of The Following Components Visits are conducted with the parents, not with babysitters or temporary caregivers. Visits help parents enhance their parenting skills and assist them in the use of their home as their child’s primary learning environment. Visits focus on helping parents learn how to provide learning opportunities that further their child’s growth and development. The content of the visit is jointly planned by the parent and the home visitor. If you would like to support our Head Start Programs, please click here. Visits are conducted with the pregnant mom to support fetal development and provide emotional support throughout pregnancy and postpartum period. Locations Chapman Early Learning Center 2928 E 11th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 818-9003 ex. 1104 Facebook Early Education Head Start Center 1215 N. East Ave. Panama City , FL 32405 (850) 818-9003 ex. 1061 Facebook Forest Park Early Learning Center 400 W. 23rd Street bld H Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 818-9003 ex. 1003 Facebook Panavilla Early Head Start 1802 ½ Flowers Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 481-1367 Facebook Arnold Early Learning Center 550 Alf Coleman Rd Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 767-3748 Franklin Early Head Start Center 162 Avenue E Apalachicola, FL 32320 (850) 653-3366 Facebook Grace Head Start Administration Office 459 Grace Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 818-9003 ex.102 Additional Resources Administration for Children & Families Florida Head Start Association Region IV Head Start Association Bay County CHIP Alignment Plan Are You in Need of Assistance? To apply for the Head Start or Early Head Start programs simply click the link below to get started with the application process.