Early Head Start

What is Early Head Start?

CCRI’s Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) is a federally-funded program to help low-income families afford high-quality child care with health and mental health services and family supports. Early Head Start is available at participating child care centers and serves infants and toddlers whose families live at or below the poverty level in Mecklenburg County.

Who Should Apply?

You should apply for CCRI's Early Head Start - Child Care Partnership if:

Your child is an infant, toddler, or two-year-old
Your family's income is equal to or below the federal poverty level
Preferably, your family receives a child care subsidy voucher

Additionally, we encourage you to apply if:

Your child has a disability or is being evaluated
You are a foster parent
Your family is homeless
Your family receives TANF or SSI

Why Should You Apply?

CCRI's Early Head Start - Child Care Partnership serves infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds of working families with income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, benefits of these services include:

Full-day, full-year child care
Small group size and low child-staff ratios
Qualified early childhood teachers
Free infant formula and diapers while at child care
Healthy meals and snacks
Developmentally appropriate instruction
Developmental screenings
Assessment to monitor children's progress
Research based curriculum
Parent activities and family services

Priority is given to children who are already receiving child care subsidy and currently enrolled at a CCRI EHS-CCP participating child care center.

Families of children with special needs are also encouraged to apply! Children who are homeless or in foster care are categorically eligible.

Howard Levine Child Development Center

3303 Achievement Lane Charlotte, NC 28208

Bright Future Learning Center

2815 Greenland Ave. Charlotte, NC 28208

Creative Beginnings

113 Bost Rd. Morganton, NC 28655

First Ward CDC

600 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28202

Giggles N’ Grins (Drexel)

402 Mountain View Dr. Morganton, NC 28655

Giggles N’ Grins Too (Valdese)

401 Morgan St. SE Valdese, NC 28690

Lakewood Preschool

3115 Kalyn St. Charlotte, 28208

Pure Genius

1530 Allegany St. Charlotte, NC 28208

Smart Kids

225 Lambeth Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208

The Early Learning Center

4304 S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28217

Qualifying for Early Head Start

CCRI'S EHS-CCP serves infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds of working families with income at or below 100% of the Federal poverty level.

Family Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Maximum Annual Guidelines	$11,880	$16,020	$20,160	$24,300	$28,440	$32,580	$36,730	$40,890

Family Size	Maximum Annual Guidelines
1	$11,880
2	$16,020
3	$20,160
4	$24,300
5	$28,440
6	$32,580
7	$36,730
8	$40,890

Even if your child is eligible for EHS-CCP, service is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of funded spaces. The first step to finding out whether there is space available for your child is to schedule an appointment with CCRI's EHS-CCP Enrollment Specialist to determined of your child and family are eligible.CCRI'S EHS-CCP serves infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds of working families with income at or below 100% of the Federal poverty level.

How to Apply for Early Head Start

Application Process

1. Schedule an appointment with an EHS Enrollment Specialist by phone, email or by filling out our online application.
2. Provide the following required documents:
- Proof of all income for the last 12 months (employment, child support, unemployment, TANF, SSI, SSA)
- Child's birth certificate or age verification
- Child's Medicaid or health insurance card
- Child's most recent IFSP (if applicable)
- Custody or placement documentation (if the child is in foster care OR if the adult is the legal guardian)
3. Meet with CCRI's EHS-CCP Enrollment Specialist to help you complete your application.

APPLY FOR EHS ONLINE