Exceptional Early Learning and Family Support
The Y in Central Maryland is a grantee for Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool in Baltimore County. We provide prenatal education to pregnant mothers and a high quality, early childhood education to infants, toddlers and children ages 3-5, ensuring they are prepared to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed.
A strong, thriving family unit is critical to the healthy development of children. We work with local communities to provide resources for family well-being, parental support and education, and other tools to help achieve family success, including:
- Health screenings for children
- Free services supporting education, nutrition, and mental health
- Parenting workshops, professional development, and volunteer opportunities
- Referral services for resources such as: WIC, Infants & Toddlers, Health Care Providers, Food Pantry, Employment, and Housing
- Transportation (available within a limited area)
- Parent leadership opportunities on Advisory Committees, Policy Council, and the Maryland Head Start Board
A Y family membership is automatically included with enrollment so families can stay active, build strength, enjoy healthy family fun, and connect with others at the Y! The membership continues annually at no cost, even during school holidays and summer months, provided you re-enroll in Y Head Start/Early Head Start each year.
Our program is accredited and licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education Excels Program and all children are welcome, including those with disabilities, in foster care, or are experiencing homelessness.
Y EARLY HEAD START
Y Early Head Start is a home-based or center-based program for pregnant women, infants and toddlers up to age 3 that focuses on healthy child and family development and prepares children in all developmental areas for transition into Y Head Start Preschool.
Home-based Program
- Pregnant women, infants and toddlers up to age 3
- Year-round program
- Prenatal and parenting education
- Proven curriculum focusing on developmentally appropriate learning activities
- Intentional parent-child interactions and educational activities
- At-home, 90-minute visits by a qualified teacher/family specialist
- Social events with other Y Early Head Start home-based families
Center-based Program
- Infants and toddlers up to age 3
- Year-round program
- Small class sizes
- Individualized and group learning experiences
- Proven curriculum focusing on developmentally appropriate learning activities
- Safe, nurturing learning environment
- Highly qualified teachers
Y HEAD START PRESCHOOL
Y Head Start Preschool serves children ages 3-5 with an intentional focus to develop school readiness skills as recommended and measured by the Maryland State Department of Education. In fact, Y Head Start Preschool children routinely assess at or above state norms for school readiness.
We prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond using the Frog Street Curriculum. It reflects best practices in early childhood education, providing children with a solid, coherent and holistic foundation for learning.
- Children ages 3-5
- Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm, September - June
- Nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, snack)
- Proven curriculum focused on school readiness: literacy, math, science, art, and more
- Small class sizes
- Highly qualified teachers
- Individualized and group learning experiences
- On-site IEP services for children with disabilities
- An environment that supports social-emotional learning, growth and development
- Modern classrooms with smart boards, touchscreen computers, interactive displays
- I Am Moving, I Am Learning (reinforces academic skills through music and movement)
- Transportation available within a limited area for each location, but is not guaranteed
ENROLL YOUR CHILD TODAY
Review our locations below to see if we serve your area. Complete the pre-registration application to determine eligibility for the program. If your child is eligible, a member of our team will contact you to complete the registration process
Y Early Head Start home-based services are available throughout Baltimore County
Y Early Head Start center-based and/or Y Head Start Preschool services are available at the following locations:
| Fleming Y Head Start Preschool 641 Main St., Dundalk, MD 21222 Serving Zip Code: 21222 | Randallstown Y Head Start Preschool 5115 Old Court Rd. Randallstown, 21133 Serving Zip Codes: 21133, 21117, 21208 |
| Eastern Family Resource Center Y Early Head Start & Y Head Start Preschool 9150 Franklin Square Dr, Rosedale, 21237 Serving families residing in the Eastern Family Resource Shelter | Emily Harris Y Early Head Start & Y Head Start Preschool 27 Main St., Catonsville, MD 21228 Serving Zip Codes: 21244, 21228, 21133, 21207 (county) |
| Back River Y Early Head Start & Y Head Start Preschool 799 Back River Neck Rd., Essex, 21221 Serving zip codes: 21221, 21220 | Kenwood Y Early Head Start & Y Head Start Preschool 4601 Fullerton Ave., Baltimore, MD 21236 Serving zip codes: 21237, 21220, 21236, 21206, 21128 |
| Merritt Park Y Early Head Start & Y Head Start Preschool 1782 Merritt Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21117 Serving Zip Codes: 21222, 21219, 21224 (county) | Mt. Calvary Y Early Head Start & Y Head Start Preschool 349 Eudowood Ln., Towson, MD 21286 Serving Zip Codes: 21286, 21204, 21234, 21030, 21093, 21239 (county) |
| Campfield Y Early Head Start & Y Head Start Preschool 6838 Alter Rd., Baltimore, MD 21207 Serving Zip Codes: 21244, 21208, 21207 (county), 21133, 21215 (county) | Riverview Y Early Head Start & Y Head Start Preschool 3290 Kessler Rd., Lansdowne, MD 21227 Serving Zip Code: 21227 |
You may also email us at charissegibbs@ymaryland.org to arrange a time to complete the application. Please be prepared with the following documents:
- Proof of age (birth certificate or legal document for child 0-5, proof of pregnancy)
- Proof of Residency (current lease, phone bill, BGE, etc.)
- Proof of Income (W2, tax form 1040, 2 current consecutive check stubs, SSI, child support, etc.)
Y Head Start participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) program. See the CACFP non-discrimination statement.