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Health Services Director requesting authorization to sign a letter of support for El Dorado County Office of Education for an expansion grant application with Early Head Start through the Administration of Children, Youth and Families, to allow expansion of services to low income pregnant women, or infants and toddlers, as well as their families.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: None. This letter of support has no financial implication to the County.
Background: El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) has provided home visit and supportive services through an Early Head Start grant since 1998. This program has allowed EDCOE to develop an in-home visiting teacher program working with low income mothers during their pregnancy to ensure transportation to physician appointments for prenatal care, prenatal vitamins, food and clothing - with the goal of ensuring delivery of a healthy baby. The teachers facilitate young parents' continued high school education and assist with identifying childcare services to ensure attendance at school. The program also provides in-home visiting teachers who work with parents of children under the age of three years, providing information and training on the importance of immunizations, maintenance of a healthy baby weight, and assisting with providing a healthy, educationally stimulating home environment for the child through weekly lesson plans and assignments. Child development and parenting information are provided until the baby is three years old.
EDCOE has collaborated successfully with El Dorado County's Child Protective Services, Public Health and Mental Health to ensure safe and healthy environments for children under the age of three years and has proven to be a dedicated and professional partner in the provision of services to this population.
EDCOE's receipt of this grant funding will allow the organization to continue and expand these much-needed services to the County's lowest incom...
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