Services

The Community Action, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start (CAI HS/EHS) program provides comprehensive services for children ages 0-5 and serves more than 300 infants, toddlers, pregnant mothers, fathers and preschoolers. This program offers:

The highest quality educators, classrooms and outdoor space
Kindergarten preparedness utilizing curriculum aligned with MA Early Learning Standards
Healthy meals and snacks
Family and health services
Mental health/wellness services
Services for children with special needs and disabilities
Assessments 3–4 times per year
Comprehensive developmental, behavioral, health and dental screenings
Volunteer and leadership opportunities
Limited transportation services

CAI Head Start and Early Head Start

The CAI Head Start and Early Head Start programs are currently accepting new applications for children ages 0–5 years old. Programs offer center-based preschool at no cost, home based services, services for pregnant women, nutritious meals and snacks, developmental screenings, family support services and more! These programs serve families in the Greater Haverhill and Newburyport Seacoast area.

Program Options

Our classroom centers are located in Haverhill and Newburyport and are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Program options include:

• Toddler and Preschool Full Day/Full Year Center-based Care
  Haverhill only
• Preschool Part-Day/Part-Year
  3.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday, Haverhill and Newburyport. The Newburyport Seacoast Center also offers a 6.5 hour Extended Day classroom.
• Early Head Start Home-based Services
  Greater Haverhill/Newburyport area
• Family Child Care for Early Head Start
  Greater Haverhill/Newburyport area
• Socialization Groups for Early Head Start
  Haverhill and Newburyport

CAI HS/EHS offers the support for your family:

• A Sense of Belonging
  CAI HS/EHS offers support services and a chance to be involved in activities to help your whole family. You can take part in classes on many subjects, such as parenting, job training, health and nutrition and using free resources in your own community.
• Parent Support
  Some parents learn the English language; others learn to cook. CAI HS/EHS also offers assistance to parents interested in obtaining their High School Equivalency Diploma (HiSET formerly GED) or other adult education opportunities.
• Family Referral Services
  If you have a family member with a special problem, such as drug or alcohol abuse, job loss, or other family crisis, your family can receive help through CAI HS/EHS. Our staff members refer families needing help to medical, social, transitional assistance, or employment specialists in the community and will follow up to be sure you receive assistance.
• Volunteer Opportunities
  You can become a volunteer and learn more about child development. This experience may later qualify you for training which can help you find employment in the child care field.
  You can also have a voice in the CAI HS/EHS program by serving on the Policy Council and on various committees. Parents’ experiences in CAI HS/EHS have raised their own self-confidence and improved their ability to make decisions.