Supporting Families, Nurturing Young Children: Early Head Start Programs in 2006

Publication Date: January 2008

Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy

Author(s): Elizabeth Hoffmann; Danielle Ewen

Research Area: Health; Social conditions

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This policy brief analyzes the 2006 Program Information Reports (PIR) data for the Early Head Start program, which serves children under age 3 and pregnant women. In 2006, Early Head Start supported families with working parents from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds through a broad range of services, including medical, dental, and mental health services.

Since 2004, more Early Head Start children and pregnant women received dental exams; more pregnant women had health insurance; and more pregnant women received mental health services. As in previous years, teacher education levels increased, but salaries remained stagnant. Also, more Early Head Start children are in informal care outside program hours.