New Directions Early Head Start
Home Visiting and Center-Based Services for Families
New Directions Early Head Start (NDEHS) offers both home visiting and center-based services, allowing families to choose the option that best meets their needs while supporting children during their earliest years of development.
NDEHS is an inter-agency partnership committed to empowering and supporting pregnant participants, infants, toddlers, and their families through high-quality early childhood education, family support, and community partnerships.
About NDEHS
The NDEHS consortium includes The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood, the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware, and community provider agencies.
The NDEHS consortium of agencies represents an innovative collaborative model bringing together the University with a diverse group of nonprofit community agencies to provide direct services to around 250 children and families in New Castle and Kent Counties every year. The consortium also works to have an impact on many more families and service providers through a capacity-building approach in the areas of child care, disability support, training, and coordination of services.
Our Service Options
Home Visiting
Families receive personalized support in their homes through regular visits with a Child and Family Specialist. Home visiting services focus on children’s development, family goals, parent-child relationships, and meaningful learning opportunities within everyday routines.
Center-Based Services
Children receive early learning, developmental, health, nutrition, and family support services in a nurturing classroom environment. Families also work with program staff to identify goals and connect with helpful resources.
The Program Is Designed To:
- Support children’s emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
- Help parents and guardians meet their children’s and families’ needs.
- Recognize and support parents as their child’s first and most important teacher.
Who Is Eligible?
- Pregnant participants
- Children from birth to 36 months of age
- Children with special needs
- Families who meet Early Head Start income guidelines
