By Kirk Johannesen, The Republic
johannesen@therepublic.com
Human Services Inc. plans to launch in April a new program that serves pregnant women and the development of children up to age 3.
HSI will receive $1.7 million in federal stimulus money through 2011 for creating the Early Head Start program, said Jill Hammer, director of children's services.
The program will serve 72 women and children in Bartholomew County, and it necessitates the hiring of 25 people to deliver services.
"It's a new journey for us. We've never worked with that age group before," Hammer said. "Even though it's stimulus money, we hope when 2011 rolls around we hope it becomes a permanent grant."
HSI serves children ages 3, 4 and 5 through Head Start, its childhood-education program.
The 0-to-3 age group is underserved in Bartholomew County, Hammer said, because of limited child care options. HSI has not served that age group, because it did not have enough funding.
Early Head Start will help ensure expectant mothers receive prenatal care, Hammer said. It also will teach them about their babies' development in each trimester, the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect after the birth.
Teachers will work with young children on their cognitive and physical development and well-being, to make sure they are on par for their age. Early Head Start will allow children to transition to the Head Start program at 3, Hammer said.
The federal grant allows Early Head Start to serve at any time a maximum of eight pregnant women, 24 children through a home-based program and 40 children through a center-based program.
Participation eligibility in Early Head Start will be based on a family's income.
HSI's hopes to begin Early Head Start on April 1, Hammer said. HSI will receive $808,930 for the program through Sept. 30 this fiscal year, and $900,000 through the next fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, 2011. The money will pay for salaries and materials needed to provide the services.
Hammer will hire a person to manage Early Head Start, a nurse and 23 educators. Salaries will be based on experience and education.
For information or to apply to participate in Early Head Start: 800-878-9608.