St. Joseph County Early Childhood Programs
What is early childhood?
Early childhood is the period of time when children ages 0-8 are developing and growing through nurturing relationships. Parents and close caregivers are the foundation of a child's life and we want to partner with you to provide your child with high quality experiences that help your child grow and learn. Check out our programs to see how we can support you!
Here is a video of all the programs we offer or you can read below!
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​"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Early On - Ages 0-3
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Early On is a system designed to coordinate early intervention and other services for families who have children (ages 0 – 36 months) experiencing developmental delays or who have disabilities.
If you suspect your child has a developmental delay or an associated medical condition or disability, please contact Amy Brauer, Early Head Start Program Manager.
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What is Early On?
Early On is a network of services for children who are developmentally delayed, or at risk of developing delays because of an established condition, or who have a disability.
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Early On services children from birth to 36 months of age. There are no income restrictions for eligibility.
Early On’s extensive services include in-home evaluations, referring families for specialized care, and acting as a service coordinator.
Early On Service Coordinator assists families in locating financial resources, if necessary. There is no charge to families for the in-home evaluation, Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) development or service coordination.
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Early On is just a phone call away. If you have concerns about a young child’s development, take the first step by contacting Amy Brauer, Early Head Start Program Manager, within St. Joseph County or 1-800-EARLYON.
Early Head Start/ Head Start - Ages 0-4
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Center-Based, Child Care, Home Visitation
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For eligible children ages 0-4 and their families, we offer our Early Head Start program. All EHS programs offer:
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Educational services
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Nutrition services
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Mental Health, Dental, and Health services
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Services for children with disabilities
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Family services
Child care is a full year, full day program and we partner with the family to support their unique needs. Our home visitation program offers services at your home! We meet with you weekly and help you learn about child development and support your family's needs.
Apply online at helpmegrowstjoe.org or call us at 269-467-5400 to get started today!
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Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) - 4 year old children
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The Great Start Readiness Program is the state's preschool program for 4 year old children. We offer this throughout St. Joseph County partnering with local school districts and community partners. This is high quality preschool following the school year schedule. Families need to apply at helpmegrowstjoe.org. This is a no cost or low cost preschool option for your child! If you have questions, call us at 269-467-5400 or email us at preschool@sjcisd.org.
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Great Start is committed to ensuring that all children are healthy, safe and ready to succeed by age five. Children don’t come with instructions; Great Start can help assist parents of children from birth to age five with finding answers to those questions that arise when raising children.
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In the first few years of life, children learn more and at a much faster pace than at any other time in life. Great Start provides information on child development, involves parents in activities to encourage language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills. These services are free to all parents of children ages birth to five in St. Joseph County ! Use the links at left to visit the State of Michigan ‘s Great Start Website and find out more about this initiative, or to find out more about the different components that we incorporate to help the children of St. Joseph County get a “Great Start”.
Other Programs
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Early Childhood Special Education - Ages 3-6
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The ISD works in partnership with you, the family, and local school districts to support children with disabilities. If you are worried about your child's development, give us a call at 269-467-5400 and we will help you with next steps.
Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition and Playgroups
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The Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition are two groups that support systems change in our local community and our state. We need parents' and caregivers' voices to know how we can help so that all kids are off to a great start! These groups are open to anyone who wants to make a difference. Give us a call today on how to get started at 269-467-5400 and ask for Stephanie Zann.
Playgroups run weekly. Information on locations and time are posted on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SJCGreatStart.