Early Head Start
What is Early Head Start?
Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded program that promotes the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of infants and toddlers. The program also supports pregnant women with prenatal education, health resources, and family support.
At CFS, Inc., our Early Head Start program is designed to nurture the parent-child bond and provide the foundation children need during the most critical years of brain development — from birth to age three.
We serve families across Lea County through both center-based and home-based options, meeting families where they are and building on their strengths.
“Research shows that 80% of brain development occurs in the first three years of life. Early Head Start ensures children receive the nurturing care and stimulation they need during this critical window.
Who We Serve
Infants
Birth to 12 months
Toddlers
1 to 3 years old
Pregnant Women
Prenatal support
Families
Whole-family services
What We Provide
Early Learning
Age-appropriate activities that promote language, cognitive, and motor development through play-based learning and nurturing relationships.
Health & Wellness
Developmental screenings, well-child checkups, immunizations, and connections to medical, dental, and mental health professionals.
Nutrition
Nutritious meals and snacks at no cost. Breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and accommodations for special diets and allergies.
Parent-Child Bonding
Activities and support designed to strengthen the parent-child relationship — the most important foundation for healthy development.
Prenatal Services
Support for pregnant women including prenatal health education, referrals to medical care, childbirth preparation, and family planning.
Family Support
Goal-setting, crisis support, referrals to community resources, and connecting families with housing, employment, and social services.
How Early Head Start Works
Center-Based
Children attend a CFS, Inc. center where they receive full-day care and education in a safe, stimulating classroom environment with trained teachers. Monday through Friday during the program year.
Home-Based
A trained home visitor comes to your home weekly for 90-minute visits. They work with you and your child together, using everyday activities to support your child's development and strengthen your family.
Socializations
Home-based families also participate in twice-monthly group socializations at a center, where children interact with peers and parents connect with other families.
What Your Child Will Learn
Building vocabulary, understanding words, expressing needs, and early pre-literacy skills through songs, books, and conversation.
Exploring cause and effect, sorting, stacking, and beginning to understand how the world works through hands-on play.
Developing trust, managing feelings, learning to share, building relationships with caregivers and other children.
Crawling, walking, grasping, climbing, and developing fine and gross motor skills through active, safe play.
A Day in Early Head Start
Arrival & Greeting
Warm welcome, health check, and free play
Morning Activities
Sensory play, art, music, and exploration
Snack & Story Time
Healthy snack followed by books and songs
Nap / Rest Time
Quiet, supervised rest in safe sleeping environment
Breakfast
Nutritious family-style meal
Outdoor Play
Age-appropriate outdoor time and physical activity
Lunch
Hot, nutritious meal served family-style
Afternoon Activities & Pickup
Gentle play, parent communication, and departure
Eligibility & How to Apply
Who is Eligible?
- Families with children from birth to age 3
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- Families meeting federal income guidelines
- Families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, SNAP)
- Children in foster care
- Children experiencing homelessness
- Children with disabilities or developmental delays
What to Bring When Applying
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, benefit letter)
- Child's birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Insurance / Medicaid card (if applicable)
- Proof of address
- Parent / guardian photo ID
- Custody or guardianship documents (if applicable)
Give Your Child a Strong Start
Enrollment is open. Apply today and give your infant or toddler the foundation they need for a lifetime of learning.