Northcoast Children’s Services Infant and Toddler preschool and Home Base classrooms provide opportunities for your 0-3 year old child to explore and experiment with a variety of materials and activities that are just right for his/her age and developmental level in a nurturing environment. Personalized care provided reflects considerations for individual differences among children. Programs give your child the opportunity to spend time with other children, begin sharing and learning cooperation skills that will help them be successful in school. While Early Head Start programs are free to eligible families, State Child Care may charge a daily family fee depending on family income and family size.
Early Head Start & State Child Care Programs
For toddlers ages 18-36 months NCS operates two General Child Care and Development Programs in Arcata and Crescent City for Early Head Start and State income eligible families with a need for child care. The Infant Toddler Centers operate Monday through Friday 9 hours per day year round. A monthly family service fee may apply depending on family income. (see Family Fee Schedule )
Programs develop partnerships with children’s families to connect children’s experiences in the Infant Toddler Program. These partnerships are the cornerstone of culturally sensitive care. In addition to the child care services, an Early Head Start Family Worker provides comprehensive Early Head Start Services to enrolled families.
Early Head Start Center Based Preschool
EHS Center Based Preschools located in Fortuna, Eureka, and Mckinleyville offer preschool 6 hours a day 4 days a week for children age 18 months to 3 years of age. Home Base services are offered in the summer months. Preschool child development services include individualized curriculum to support school readiness. Teachers also engage families to provide family support services.
Early Head Start Home Based Preschool
EHS Home Base programs offer services to families with children from birth to age 3 in their homes once per week. The Home Visitor comes to each family’s home to work with the parents and child on Child Development and Family Goals. Weekly visits typically last for 1 ½ hours and include activities with parents and child that focus on health, development, nutrition, and parenting.
Playgroups, where parents and children socialize with other parents and children in a classroom environment, are offered twice monthly for Home based families. These Playgroups help prepare your child for a center program or kindergarten. Parents also have the opportunity to attend Parent Meetings once a month which are focused on parenting and health family life development. Parenting Education Classes are offered regionally each year.