New Early Head Start class sets families up for success

Access to child care is is important to any new parent trying to balance it all. But for a family experiencing homelessness, it’s life changing.

For the first time in our history, Positive Tomorrows is now able to serve infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 onsite. Launched in November, our Early Head Start program is unlike any other in the state because of our unique approach in providing transportation. We pick up each child and drop them off at the end of the day, removing one of the greatest barriers that can get in the way of education.

“Research shows that this is the window of time in a child’s life when secure attachments are being formed. For a parent who is trying to go back to work and wants to make sure their child is not only safe, but is developing and growing in the best way possible…that means everything,” says Director of Family Support Kelly Berger. “To have a place with caring adults looking after the most vulnerable family member is a sigh of relief for a parent whose days are filled with a lot of challenges.”

In addition to providing a place for children to experience consistent, nurturing relationships and stable routines, our Early Head Start program links families with needed services—medical, mental health and nutrition.

The launch of our Early Head Start classroom resulted from a partnership with Sunbeam Family Services and generous support from the Inasmuch Foundation.