Early Head Start

Since the program began in fall 2002, Early Head Start at Coffee Creek Child Development Center in Wilsonville, Oregon, has provided an opportunity for eight children and their incarcerated mothers to spend three and one-half hours, two days a week, in a classroom setting.  Caregivers bring the children to the center where activities are designed to strengthen and enhance the mother-child relationship and also provide support for the mother-caregiver relationship in preparation for release.

Comprehensive services offered through Early Head Start include education, health, nutrition, family support and transition planning for the child. In addition to the their interaction and mentoring within the classroom setting, EHS staff visits the caregiver and child in the home on a monthly basis to promote continuity of care for the child.

Through Early Head Start, each child benefits from an individualized educational plan developed cooperatively among the teacher, parent and caregiver with progress monitored throughout the year. In addition to educational services, children also receive comprehensive health and developmental screening.

Participation in the program is restricted to mothers who meet the eligibility requirements and successfully completes the application process and screening. Releasing Early Head Start mothers may also qualify in special circumstances for assistance from CJA’s Children’s Account.

The Early Head Start program is a cooperative effort between Community Action Organization of Washington County and the Oregon Department of Corrections.