Charlein D. is raising her son, Jeremiah, in New Castle, Delaware. She’s part of the growing number of middle-income families caught in a bind, earning just enough to be disqualified from aid, but not nearly enough to cover child care after basic bills are paid.
“As a single mom, I constantly worry about being a good parent, making ends meet, and protecting my mental health. It’s a lot to carry.”
That’s when Charlein’s cousin told her about Early Head Start, a program that would help lift the weight she’d been quietly carrying.
Discovering Early Head Start
When Charlein enrolled Jeremiah in Early Head Start, everything started to shift. Jeremiah began hitting developmental milestones, some even earlier than expected. He was thriving. And Charlein, for the first time in a long time, felt supported and seen.
More than just a place for her child to learn, Early Head Start became a trusted hub of guidance and connection. Charlein’s questions as a parent were welcomed and answered. Teachers listened. Support came without judgment.
A Community That Shows Up
Twice a month, families like Charlein’s are invited to outings such as pumpkin patch visits and family playdates to bond with their children and connect with other parents navigating the same challenges.
Jeremiah’s teachers help with more than a child’s learning. They’ve connected Charlein to pediatricians, financial services and mental health support. Just as important, they’ve been flexible with her work schedule; something she says is “huge” as a working mom.
If it weren’t for Early Head Start, I wouldn’t even know where to begin with child care or developmental support.
Now, Early Head Start is helping Jeremiah prepare for Head Start and school after that.
This is more than a story about one family. It’s a call to action for Congress to oppose cuts and increase investments in Head Start, including Early Head Start, so more families like Charlein’s can give their babies the strong start they deserve.
