EARLY HEAD START IS FULL for the 23-24 PROGRAM TERM, BUT WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE REFERRALS FOR OUR WAITLIST FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS, IN THE EVENT OPENINGS OCCUR THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
If you have a client who meets the criteria below and would like to make a referral to either our Bedford or Lynchburg Center, please send an email to: ehs@humankind.org
Children between six weeks and 33 months of age and who meet one or more of the following criteria are eligible for referral:
- The child is a Foster Child or placed with Relatives (regardless of income)
- The child is homeless or living in a temporary shelter to avoid homelessness
- The family receives public assistance such as TANF, SNAP, or SSI
- The family’s income is at or below the poverty level for their household size
| 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 |
More About Early Head Start
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!
Resources
Check out ways to give and our annual report.
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 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?
Centers will be open year-round, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm.
Before and after care is offered from 7:30 am-9:00 am and 3:00 pm-4:30 pm.
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. 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.