Due to a waiting list, EHS is temporarily not accepting new applications.

Please return to our website in January 2022 and submit your application at that time.

Early Head Start provides support for parents and free, full-time child care for infants and toddlers in Amherst, Bedford, and Lynchburg.

Apply online in January 2022! apply
Solicite en línea en enero de 2022! Aplica

Early Head Start is new to our community, and spots will go fast! Apply Now if you meet the following eligibility:

  • Families who have a foster child or homeless child under the age of 3, regardless of income.
  • Families who have a child under the age of 3 and receive public assistance (TANF or SSI).
  • Families who have a child under the age of 3 and meet income eligibility as determined by Federal Poverty Guidelines (2021):
Family Size Annual Family Income
1 $ 12,880
2 $ 17,420
3

$ 21,960
4

$ 26,500
5

$ 31,040
6

$ 35,580
7

$ 40,120
8

$ 44,660
More than 8

Add $4,540 for each additional person

Enrollment for Early Head Start

Now open for 2021!

Frequently Asked Questions

HumanKind’s Early Head Start program will provide tools and resources to parents of children ages 0-3 at home and in our centers (opening 2021) so that they can build a strong foundation for life.

Where is Early Head Start located?

We are in the process of renovating three Early Head Start centers.

  • The Amherst center will be located within Second Stage at 194 2nd Street, Amherst (estimated opening spring 2021).
  • The Bedford center will be located within Bedford Christian Church at 1928 Moneta Road, Bedford (estimated opening spring 2021).
  • The Lynchburg center will be located at 1200 Fenwick Drive, Lynchburg (estimated opening September 2021). Beginning spring of 2021, half of the Lynchburg classrooms will be temporarily located within Gospel Community Church at 1301 Rivermont Avenue until the Fenwick Drive location opens.
What does virtual instruction for my infant/toddler look like?
  • Families will participate in virtual instruction four days per week.
  • Two days per week, Early Head Start teachers will connect with you and your child via video or phone. During this time, you can share updates about your child’s development, ask questions, and participate in lessons with your child and teacher.
  • On the other two days per week, teachers will send examples of activities that can easily be done at home to promote your child’s development.
  • Materials for lessons and activities as well as diapers and wipes will be regularly dropped off at your home.
Is it safe for my child to attend child care during a pandemic?

Early Head Start will be licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and meet VDSS’s strictest guidelines for operating child care during COVID-19. In order to ensure ample time for daily cleaning and sanitizing, hours will be 9am-3pm through spring and summer 2021. If you are uncomfortable with attending child care when your center opens, you may continue to participate in virtual Early Head Start services.

When is Early Head Start open?

Centers will be open year round, Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm through spring and summer 2021 to allow ample time for daily cleaning and sanitizing during the pandemic. Beginning fall 2021, before and after care will be offered from 7:30am-9:00am and 3:00pm-5:30pm.

What does Early Head Start cost?

Early Head Start is free during the program’s instructional hours of 9:00am-3:00pm. Beginning fall 2021, before/after care will be available to families who qualify for Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy Program which may require co-pays. If you would like information about how to apply for Subsidy, let us know. If you do not qualify for subsidy but need before/after care, ask about our before/after care fees.

Is transportation provided to Early Head Start?

No, we do not provide transportation. If this will make it difficult for your family to participate in Early Head Start, please let us know. Your child’s regular attendance is an important part of the program.

How is Early Head Start different than Head Start?

Both Early Head Start and Head Start are federally funded programs that support families with young children. Early Head Start is operated by HumanKind and provides full time, year-round, child care for children 0-3 years of age. Head Start is operated by Lynchburg Community Action Group (LynCAG) and serves children 3-4 years of age. Amherst, Bedford, and Lynchburg public schools serve children 4-5 years of age in their pre-kindergarten programs.

What can I expect when my family applies for Early Head Start?

You will be contacted by one of our Family Engagement Specialists to complete the eligibility process. She will get to know your family, answer any questions you have about the program, and support you through your entire time in the program. You will also be connected with our Health and Disabilities Manager to help get your child’s health, nutrition, and immunization records necessary for enrollment.

Once enrolled, your child will be assigned to a center manager, teacher, and assistant teacher who will care for your child throughout your time in the program. Once centers open, each classroom will include 8 students and 2 teachers. Before your child’s first day, your teacher will schedule a home visit or virtual meeting to get to know you and your family, and you will have the opportunity to tour the center and classroom once opened.

For more information, please contact:
Ashley Graham | Director of Family & Children’s Services