YOUNG FAMILIES EARLY HEAD START

YOUNG FAMILIES IS AN EARLY HEAD START PROGRAM THAT SERVES PRIMARILY TEEN AND LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN BIRTH TO THREE YEARS OF AGE, PREGNANT WOMEN, AND INFANTS AND TODDLERS, INCLUDING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, WHOSE PARENTS ARE TEENAGERS COMPLETING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION, AS WELL AS PARENTS OBTAINING POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION/TRAINING IN COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, AND WORKING PARENTS. INTENSIVE SERVICES TO INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND THEIR FAMILIES IN A COMPREHENSIVE TWO-GENERATION PROGRAM INCLUDE SERVICES THAT BEGIN BEFORE THE CHILD IS BORN CONCENTRATING ON ENHANCING THE CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORTING THE FAMILY DURING THE CRITICAL FIRST THREE YEARS OF THE CHILD'S LIFE. THE TEEN PARENT PROGRAM ALLOWS PARENTS TO EARN HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FOR ATTENDING ON-SITE CHILD AND PARENT DEVELOPMENT CLASSES THAT INCLUDE PRENATAL INFORMATION, HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, PARENT EDUCATION, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, AND LIFE SKILLS TAUGHT BY CERTIFIED BILLINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT #2 INSTRUCTORS. IN ADDITION, THE ORGANIZATION IS LICENSED BY THE STATE OF MONTANA AS A CHILD DAYCARE CENTER IN ORDER TO PROVIDE CHILD CARE TO TEEN PARENTS WHILE ATTENDING THEIR DESIGNATED HIGH SCHOOL EARNING THE NECESSARY CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. YOUNG FAMILIES EARLY HEAD START EMPLOYS A HEALTH AND WELLNESS SPECIALIST WHO WORKS CLOSELY WITH EACH FAMILY TO ENSURE THEIR CHILD'S PARTICIPATION IN A SCHEDULE OF WELL CHILD CARE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ONGOING EVALUATION PROCEDURES TO IDENTIFY HEALTH AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL CONCERNS. THE ORGANIZATION BELIEVES THAT THE ENVIRONMENT AND ALL AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE, AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT ARE VITAL.