Southwest Counseling Solutions Early Head Start

Our Early Head Start provides free, comprehensive child development services to low-income families through both home-based and center-based programming. Early Head Start (EHS) serves pregnant women and children birth to three years old. The goal is to improve the health and readiness-to-learn of children before they enter preschool and kindergarten. Our EHS is the first program of its kind in southwest Detroit. It is part of a major collaborative initiative led by Starfish Family Services.

Head Start generally serves children ages 3 to 5 who meet local eligibility requirements. Pregnant women and children from birth to 3 years of age are eligible for Early Head Start services. Children and families who are homeless, in foster care, or receive TANF or SSI are also eligible for services. Eligibility is determined by Head Start program staff and some families may be eligible for services if they are determined to be at or below the federal poverty level. Some grantees enroll a percentage of children from families with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines as well.

Families are encouraged to apply.

Enrollment To enroll in the EHS program, you must fill out an application and provide documentation to show that you are eligible to participate. You must provide: Proof of income (2011 tax returns or W2 forms) Proof of residency (a utility bill or home phone bill that has your name and home address) Birth certificate or letter from the hospital that proves when your child was born Immunization records Driver's license or other valid ID If you are applying to enroll in our center-based program, you must also provide: Your current school schedule or recent paystub To learn more about enrollment, eligibility or the program, call 313-515-3063 or 313-515-8838.