- Created 8/10
- Reviewed 7/21
Procedure
Early Head Start staff will work with and support each enrolled pregnant woman and other relevant family members, such as the father/partner, in identifying family needs and preparing for a smooth transition for the family when the baby is born. Planning for the transition to the appropriate child development Program Option should begin at the time the pregnant woman is enrolled in the EHS program. This planning process will begin during pregnancy and may become part of an initial Family Partnership Agreement.
Following delivery, there is a period of time during which the mother is recovering from childbirth and the newborn is adjusting to the early weeks of life. A program must schedule the newborn visit within two weeks after the infant’s birth, with each mother and baby, to offer support and identify family needs. This visit offers the opportunity to assess such things as success with nursing, sleeping and feeding issues, and mother’s emotional state, as well as the family’s resources and social support for coping with challenges. Enrollment in Early Head Start will begin when the child is at least 4 weeks old depending on the individual needs of the child and family. Documentation of these steps will be documented on EDUC 14h. EHS Newborn Checklist. A birth announcement will be routed utilizing the EDUC 14i. EHS New Baby Announcement~.