The waitlist for Early Head Start is now open! We value community partnerships and welcome referrals. EHS is also accepting applications for the 24-25 Program Term.
If you are a community provider who would like to make a referral, please send an email to: ehsinfo@humankind.org.
¡Solicitud de Early Head Start en español!
Because EHS only serves children up to 36 months (3 years) and has an active waitlist, we are unable to guarantee placement for children older than 30 months (2.5 years).
Because EHS only serves children up to 36 months (3 years) and has an active waitlist, we are unable to guarantee placement for children older than 30 months (2.5 years). To be found eligible, children must meet at least one of the following criteria:
-
The child is a Foster Child, including Relative placement, custody, or adoption
-
The child is homeless or experiencing verifiable housing insecurity
-
The child is in a family that receives TANF, SNAP, or SSI
-
The child is in a family with income at or below the poverty level for their household size
| Family Size | Annual Family Income |
| 1 | $ 15,650 |
| 2 | $ 21,150 |
| 3 |
$ 26,650 |
| 4 |
$ 32,150 |
| 5 |
$ 37,650 |
| 6 |
$ 43,150 |
| 7 |
$ 48,650 |
| 8 |
$ 54,150 |
| More than 8 |
Add $5,500 for each additional person |
More About Early Head Start
Term Calendar
See our 2024-2025 Term Calendar for both centers!
Founding Donors
HumanKind Early Head Start is made possible by the generous Donors and Partners here in our community!
Meet Our Team
Meet our Early Head Start Staff!
EHS Annual Operations Reports
Check out our Community Needs Assessment and Annual Reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
HumanKind’s Early Head Start program will provide tools and resources to families of children ages 0-3 at home and in our centers so that they can build a strong foundation for life.
Where is Early Head Start located?
- The Bedford center is located within Bedford Christian Church at 1928 Moneta Road, Bedford.
- The Lynchburg center is located at 1200 Fenwick Drive, Lynchburg.
When is Early Head Start open?
EHS Centers are open year-round, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm. We generally follow the public school schedule for holiday closings, and operate on a yearly program schedule from September to August.
There are a limited number of optional extend hours available, as openings occur, from 7:30am-4:30pm.
What does Early Head Start cost?
Early Head Start is free during the program’s instructional hours of 9:00am-3:00pm. Before/aftercare 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. 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. They 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. Each classroom will include 8 students and 2 teachers.
For more information,
please contact our Family Services Team
This website is supported by Grant Number 03CH011559 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Presbyterian Homes & Family Services, Inc., dba HumanKind, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.