Universal Pre K Recruitment is Ongoing NOW!

Head Start/Early Head Start (center-based and home-based) programs provide comprehensive early childhood development opportunities for children and families birth to 5 years old (Early Head Start serves children/families from conception to 3 years old; Head Start serves children 3 to 5 years old).

Head Start/Early Head Start services are individualized to meet the needs and developmental levels of the enrollees as well as specialized services for children with differing abilities, utilizing community resources. The purposes of these early childhood development programs include enhancing children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; supporting parents’ efforts to fulfill their parental roles; and helping families move toward self-sufficiency.

​All lead staff (teachers, assistant teachers and home visitors) are qualified and credentialed to teach preschool-aged children and/or work with families. Professional development opportunities are ongoing to ensure staff are proficient in the most current trends in early childhood and family intervention strategies.

 All programs support parents, both mothers and fathers, in their role as primary caregivers and teachers of their children. Programs assist families in meeting their own personal goals and achieving self-sufficiency across a wide variety of domains, such as housing stability, education, and financial security. 

Coalfield CAP initiated Early Head Start (EHS) services in 2017, with the intention and expectation of expanding the program to meet the needs of local families. Each EHS classroom offers opportunities that are designed to nurture healthy attachments between parent, child and caregiver. Early Head Start services are offered in both center-based sites (funded by the Office of Head Start) as well as home-based groups (funded by WV Home Visitation/MIECHV), depending upon the needs and preferences of the families.

Early Head Start program services encompass the full range of a family's needs from pregnancy through a child's third birthday. The program promotes the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of infants and toddlers through safe and enriching caregiving and a developmentally appropriate curriculum, assessment tools and equipment.