Young children in the EPN footprint have 3 options for formal early education: Head Start, Pre-K or Child Development Centers.
o EPN implements a Quality Assurance program at three centers in the footprint, impacting 52 three-year old children enrolled there. The goal is to lead each center to Texas Rising Star accreditation or renewal. The centers have combined enrollment capacity of 409 children ages 0 to 5. In September of 2014, EPN contracted an Early Childhood consultant to help the 3 centers develop Star Rating Action Plans, leading to a minimum increase of one level per year as measured by the Texas Rising Star rating system. The consultant conducts monthly meetings with the directors of each center, a self-assessment evaluation to determine priorities to address, has a plan of action for addressing need areas, and conducts observation walk-throughs to assist the implementation process. Professional development with the City of San Antonio’s PK4SA is incorporated.
o A Parent Facilitator position was added by Family Service Association to recruit and support early childhood families for both formal and FFN settings through the Parent Rooms that exist on all 6 EPN campuses. The Facilitator raises awareness among partners about the age-appropriate developmental ranges for children 0-5 and connects parents to wrap around support services. She also assists in recruiting and connecting families to the FFN network.
EPN partner Early Childhood centers include:
Ella Austin Child Development
1023 N. Pine
San Antonio, TX 78202
(210) 224- 2351
Director: Linda Bryant
Healy Murphy Child Development
122 Nolan St.
San Antonio, TX 78202
(210) 224- 9569
Director: Sherly White
Miller Child Development Center
102 S. Rio Grande
San Antonio, TX 78203
(210) 354- 1400
Director: Cathy Gibson
Other Early Childhood centers in the area include:
C4NC Family Learning Center
925 Gulf
San Antonio, TX 78202
(210) 314- 3321
Carmelite Learning Center
2006 Martin Luther King Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78203
(210) 533- 0651
St. Paul’s Episcopal Montessori School
1018 E. Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78208
(210) 271- 2861
St. Philip’s College Child Development Center
2207 Wyoming St.
San Antonio, TX 78203
(210) 486- 2500
Eman Tot Academy
903 S. W.W. White Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78220
(210) 333- 0166
Kids Zone Christian Daycare
111 Dunaff St.
San Antonio, TX 78219
(210)333-7192
Director: Barbara Williams
City Announces Early Head Start Enrollment Availability
SAN ANTONIO (Aug. 24, 2015) – Enrollment in Early Head Start Early Education Program is currently open for infants and toddlers in five locations. The City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services (DHS) is partnering with five non-profit, state licensed child care centers to provide high-quality, early care and education for children, ages 0 to 3, and their families. Interested families can call (210) 206-5500 or visit www.saheadstart.org to learn more about enrolling in this program.
In addition to early education, the program includes health and dental screenings, social and emotional development, nutrition, and social services. Additionally, families will benefit from support services, case management, education, and job training. Participating centers include:
- Ella Austin Community Center – 1023 N Pine St., San Antonio, TX 78202
- Healy Murphy Child Care Center – 618 Live Oak St., San Antonio, TX 78202
- Inman Christian Center – 1214 Colima St, San Antonio, TX 78207
- Miller Child Development Center – 102 S Rio Grande St, San Antonio, TX 78203
- YWCA Olga Madrid Center – 503 Castroville Road, San Antonio TX 78237
Early Head Start and Head Start, which serves ages 3-5, provides a birth to five continuum of services for low-income children and families. The Early Head Start and child care partnership benefits the community by improving the quality of neighborhood child care facilities and the education and skill level of caregivers.
“We are excited to work with local providers to create a birth to five continuum of early childhood education and care for families in the inner-city. This new partnership will help ensure that children are prepared to succeed academically and families have the resources they need to thrive economically,” said Melody Woosley, Director, Department of Human Services.
For over 30 years, DHS has served as both a Head Start and Child Care Services subsidy provider, serving almost 12,000 children daily. Earlier this year, the Department was awarded an Early Head Start – Child Care Services Partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to provide early education and family support services to 216 children 0-3.
To learn more about the city’s Head Start and Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership Programs, contact (210) 206-5500 or visit www.saheadstart.org or www.facebook.com/sanantonioheadstart.