Infant/Toddler Child Development
The overreaching goals of Early Head Start focus on the healthy cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of infants and toddlers. Research has demonstrated that to thrive, children from birth to age 3 need a variety of positive learning experiences provided in a secure and loving environment. In recognition that parents are the primary educators of their children, EHS programs are designed to work with families to ensure that the developmental needs of each child are met. Early Head Start Staff are certified to implement Parents as Teachers “Born to Learn” approach to development and are certified Family and Community Development Specialists.
To ensure that all enrolled children are making age-appropriate gains in development, children are closely monitored using screenings and assessments. School Readiness goals have been developed to help parents and staff prepare children for the next steps in their education. Child outcome reports, based on data from assessments, are shared with parents, staff, and advisory groups. Results of our analysis of data are an integral part of program planning, decision making, and program improvements.
As part of quality improvement, Early Head Start is participating in ExceleRate Illinois. ExceleRate Illinois is a quality rating and improvement system administered by Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (INCCRRA), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) using funding from the Early Learning Challenge Race to the Top grant. ExceleRate offers three levels of quality for licensed child care centers. The levels are: licensed, bronze, silver, and gold. In order to qualify for the silver or gold Circles of quality through ExceleRate, staff must earn Director, Early Childhood Education and Infant/Toddler credentials through INCCRRA. Currently, staff have earned ten (10) credentials.
