Early Head Start is enrolling now for 2021!
Early Head Start provides support for parents and free, full-time child care for infants and toddlers in Amherst, Bedford, and Lynchburg.
Early Head Start provides support for parents and free, full-time child care for infants and toddlers in Amherst, Bedford, and Lynchburg.
Early Head Start is new to our community, and spots will go fast! Apply Now if you meet the following eligibility:
Family Size | Annual Family Income |
1 | $ 12,760 |
2 | $ 17,240 |
3 |
$ 21,720 |
4 |
$ 26,200 |
5 |
$ 30,680 |
6 |
$ 35,160 |
7 |
$ 39,640 |
8 |
$ 44, 120 |
More than 8 |
Add $4,480 for each additional person |
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.
We are in the process of renovating three Early Head Start centers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.