The Ironton-Lawrence County CAO Head Start and Early Head Start Programs have a variety of service options available. These service options are provided at various locations throughout the county. Please contact any center for information regarding the program options listed below.

CENTER BASED

This method of service delivery consists of 4 classroom sessions per week provided Monday through Thursday for preschool children age 3-5 years old (primarily 4 year olds preparing for kindergarten). Each classroom is scheduled for a minimum of 3.5 hours. Each family will receive a minimum of 2 home visits* provided throughout the program year. Transportation is available at some sites.

HOME BASED

Home based services provide Head Start and Early Head Start families with one 90 minute home visit* per week and 2 group socialization experiences per month scheduled at times convenient to enrolled families. The homes visits* are designed to include all aspects of child development using the home as the primary learning environment. Head Start families receive 32 visits and Early Head Start families receive 48 visits per year. Parents take an active role in their child’s learning. The home-based option serves pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschool children.

CHILD CARE/DROP-IN CHILD CARE (Drop-in Childcare is available only at OUSCDC)

Child Care is designed to provide extended services to those families that need child care while parents work or attend school/training. Services are provided to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old, 5 days per week year round. Centers are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. depending on the location.

Drop-in childcare is provided to children on a temporary, basis at designated centers. A 24 hour notice is required to ensure availability of space. Drop-in services cannot be used for more than 30 times per year due to Ohio Childcare regulations.

SHARED CLASSROOMS