HOME BASED PROGRAM

The Home Based Program of Early Head Start is founded on the belief that families grow stronger when parents are the primary positive influence in the lives of their children. It is a family program with parents as the main focus. Parents are the first and most important educators in the home. The home is the most comfortable, natural learning environment offered in the early years of life.

Traditionally, our society begins to educate children when they reach five or six years of age; but many researchers and educators now suggest that as much as 80% of intellect is formed before the school years.

Parents genuinely want the best for their children. They are the ones who have an invested interest and want their children to succeed. Most parents would like ideas and guidance regarding child development and parenting skills information, which brings us back to the Home Based approach. But does it really work and how effective is it? You will be surprised.

The High Scope Research Foundation found that having a Family Educator working 1-1/2 hours a week with parents in the home is as effective as having the child in the classroom for 15 hours a week! Dr. Glen Nimnicht states that when parents work with their infants/toddlers for 20 minutes a day, it is equivalent to three hours of classroom time.

These findings are extremely impressive, but the Home Based Program can only work due to the commitment, dedication, and consistency of the parents. Parents are the backbone of this program. It is extremely important that parents understand their role and the Family Educator’s role.