Hope Street Family Center- Early Head Start Program

The Hope Street Family Center (HSFC) is a community benefit program of California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC). It was established in 1992 in collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles. Early Head Start (EHS), the Center’s cornerstone program, has been providing comprehensive early childhood services since 1998. The program’s objectives are to (1) enhance the overall development of infants and toddlers (2) strengthen the self-sufficiency of families and enhance their capacity to care for their children, and (3) enhance and strengthen the local service delivery network of agencies serving young children and their families. The program primarily targets pregnant women and children 0-3 whose income is at or below 100% of the poverty line.

HSFC offers over a dozen programs that fall into three major categories: early childhood education, family literacy, and family support. The Center’s core program elements include: childcare, early childhood education, healthcare services, mental health services, parent education, and housing, legal, and financial assistance. Families choose home-based services, center-based services, or a combination of home and center-based services that best meets their needs.

This program is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The program’s goal is to provide comprehensive child development and family support services to families with children 0–3 in order for parents to support and encourage their children’s early growth, development and school readiness.

In 2008, The EHS program served 158 families, including 51 children with special needs. One hundred percent of the 223 children and 17 pregnant women served had a comprehensive physical exam and 100% of pregnant women were enrolled in prenatal care services. Ninety-four percent of children had current immunizations, and 92% were up-to-date on well-child care follow-ups. Fifty-one families received direct and supportive mental health services and 49 parents participated in adult education and training programs.