Early Head Start

Home-Based

Solicite ahora mismo los servicios de Early Head Start

Program Services

Early Head Start offers a home-based service for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Once a week, a trained Family Advocate comes into the family’s home for ninety minutes, to offer fun activities, services, and information. The Family Advocate may focus on child development, health, and safety, nutrition, reading with your child, parent education, pre-natal health education, transportation support, etc. During home visits, the Family Advocate will bring activities and information that focus on goals set by the family, which are based on the individual family’s needs and interests.

To promote health and wellness in our families, we follow well-baby checks, dental exams, and immunization to encourage and educate families on prevention, early identification, and intervention. Families are given support, information, and referrals to social services that meet the needs of the family.

Socialization Activities - Families participate in different activities, interact with their peers and participate in community learning during socializations. Through our home-based program we offer one activity at our building twice a month, at different times to meet the needs of our families. During socializations, at the Early Head Start building, we offer a family style meal. Once a month families enjoy a community activity and all entrance fees are covered by Early Head Start. Transportation support can be provided to families as needed and when available.
Parent Committee - Parent Committee meetings give the families an opportunity to voice their opinions, make decisions about the activities for the program, and develop leadership skills. Through the Policy Council and Parent Committee, parents and other community representatives actively participate in the shared decision-making process concerning program design and implementation.
Policy Council - Through the Policy Council and Parent Committee, parents and other community representatives actively participate in the shared decision-making process concerning program design and implementation.

Community Assessment Needs Report

Enrollment

Eligibility

Early Head Start is a no cost program for families that have a child under three years old or pregnant women. Families must meet the federal criteria for low-income. A pregnant woman is counted as two people when calculating the number in household. Extended family living in the home are not considered part of the family when calculating eligibility of family. Ten percent of the families enrolled in Early Head Start may have income that is over the Federal Criteria for low-income.

Process

Early Head Start receives referrals from several sources; community, TANF, and other agencies. Once Early Head Start receives a referral, the family is contacted and given more detailed information about the program. An application appointment is set. The family is asked to provide immunization records, birth certificate, and income verification with the application. After a family fills out an application they are placed on a waiting list. The family is notified when there is an opening in Early Head Start. Since we are a year round program and do not follow traditional school schedules a family may be contacted at any time during the year.

"I didn't have the chance for early school, early head start, but the kids did. It makes a difference in their education."

Mariam Ibrahim

"I didn't have the chance for early school, early head start, but the kids did. It makes a difference in their education."

Mariam Ibrahim

I was extremely inspired by DDI Vantage and feel so passionate about their purpose I am now employed by them and have the opportunity to help other families"

Bonnie Stroud

"I definitely feel that I have improved thanks to DDI Vantage because you gave me the confidence and security to believe in myself and helped me to feel secure in my decisions."

Cristina Hunter

"I have grown a lot and I am thankful for the program. I thank the Family Advocate and every single staff from DDIV."

Maria Zavala

"They taught and brought activities to help with challenges. Child is progressing and ready for school. I am not worried anymore."

Falemaka family

What do I have to pay for the on-the-job training and other DDI Vantage services?

Nothing. DDI Vantage has contracts with state agencies that provide funding for services for our clients.
How do I benefit from hiring an employee with a disability?

If the job is matched up correctly, most of our clients are loyal and long-term employees. There are also some tax benefits to a company for hiring an individual with a disability. Please check with your tax advisor for details.
How long will the individual need Supported Employment?

That depends on the individual. We try to match the job to the individual based on their abilities and work history. For some, it may be as short as a few days. Others may require ongoing support.
Do I have to pay for DDI Vantage employment services?

If you are eligible to receive services from the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) or the Utah State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, you DO NOT PAY for our services.
What if I need help to do the job after my on-the-job training?

It is important for you that DDI Vantage helps you less as you get better at doing the job, but we will help you as long as you need it by visiting you at work and keeping in contact with your employer. We will be there for you whenever you need us.
Can I receive Supported Employment and Supported Living services from DDI Vantage at the same time?

Yes. How much help we can give you depends on your budget that is set up by DSPD.
What do I have to pay for the services provided by DDI Vantage Supported Living?

If you are eligible to receive services from the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) and are not on a waiting list for their services, you DO NOT PAY for our services.
How do Supported Living services differ from Supported Employment Services?

Supported Employment services focus on helping individuals find, learn, and maintain jobs. Supported Living services focus on providing assistance to individuals in personal, every-day activities.
I'm interested, how do I apply?

The first thing you would have to do is Apply for DSPD Funding and once you are approved, DSPD will send us your information. to be considered as a potential client. A Support Coordinator will reach out to you to discuss the matter further and decide if this program would be a good fit.

2023 HHS Poverty Guidelines

Persons In Family Unit**

For each additional person, add $4,720.

*Applicants must qualify based on these income guidelines. Some exceptions may apply. These guidelines are used from 8/1/2023 to 7/31/2025 and pertain to 48 Contiguous States and D.C.
**Pregnant Women Count as Two Persons

Enrollment priority is given to families that face certain risks or difficulties, including teen parents, housing concerns, parents' education less than 8th grade, language barriers, foster child, single parent, and/or developmental delays.