Early Head Start

The center provides early childhood education services for low-income families in the Harbor area who have children between birth and 3.9 years old or children of preschool, ages 3 through 5. Services include early head start, parenting skills classes, and respite care. Early Head Start services are restricted to residents of San Pedro and zip codes 90250, 90275, 90304, 90710, 90717, 90731, 90732, 90745, 91040, 91042, 91352, 91601, 91602, 91605, 91606, and 91607. There are no geographic restrictions for other services.

For Head Start information see the separate entry, Volunteers of America - Head Start.

To qualify for center programs the family must meet federal low income guidelines and reside in the service area unless the child has a documented disability.

The Early Head Start program primarily works with children who are younger than age 3 and their families. Children who have disabilities and children who have younger siblings in the program may be considered up to age 3.9 years. Secondary services include individual, conjoint, and family counseling; support groups for women, couples, and grandparents; a training/work experience program which includes weekly, structured training sessions in child development; a class and activity program; health screening; and transportation to and from the center for people who live in the primary service area. Staff assist children and families to make the transition to a regular Head Start or other appropriate program after they leave the nursery program. The agency also provides a resource center for families with children with disabilities.

Respite care may be provided for families with a developmentally delayed person who is officially enrolled in a Regional Center. Regional Centers served are Frank D. Lanterman, East Los Angeles, Harbor City, San Gabriel/Pomona, and South Central. Depending on family income, there may be a fee.

The class and activity program is primarily for families who are participants in the nursery school program, but community people may only attend as space allows. The program includes Parent Effectiveness Training, arts and crafts, food preparation and other home management classes.