Durham Partnership for ChildrenDurham Early Head Start
Durham Early Head Start (DEHS) is a federally-funded, free, and comprehensive child development and family support program for low-income expectant women and families with infants and toddlers age birth to 3.
Low-income expectant women and families with infants and toddlers in Durham · Center-based: children receive between 6.5 to 10 hours each day per-year child care in one of our six partnering centers. Home-based: one 90-minute home visit p · Free
From dpfc.net/our-work/durham-early-head-start ↗About this program
Families participate through two program models: home visiting where quality educational experiences and strategies are shared with families and children in their home, or full day high-quality center-based child care.
Currently, DEHS serves 128 children. The Partnership collaborates with community partners to serve Durham's most vulnerable children and families: the Center for Child & Family Health provides home visiting services, and local child care centers provide center-based care.
All families receive high-quality, comprehensive services, including: education; health, dental, and nutritional aid; parent education; mental health screenings; and early intervention.
Questions
Who is eligible?
Families in Durham who are expecting, or who have a child under the age of 3 (a child who will be 2 or younger as of August 31st). Foster children, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, SNAP), regardless of income. Children with documented disabilities may be eligible regardless of income. Families who meet income eligibility as determined by the Federal Poverty Guidelines (2025).
How can I apply?
Durham Early Head Start is currently accepting applications. All families who remained on the previous year's waitlist must call (919) 403-6960 ext. 227 to reapply.
Is transportation provided to child care centers?
Transportation is not provided to child care centers (bus passes are available).
Is attendance required?
Regular attendance is expected.
Are home visits available in Spanish?
Home visits are available in Spanish and English.
Details
- Who
- Low-income expectant women and families with infants and toddlers in Durham
- When
- Center-based: children receive between 6.5 to 10 hours each day per-year child care in one of our six partnering centers. Home-based: one 90-minute home visit p
- Where
- Durham, NC; home visits in the family's home, or one of six partnering child care centers
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Birth to 3
Run by
Smart StartSmart Start is North Carolina’s nationally-recognized initiative to ensure that every child reaches his or her potential and enters school healthy and ready to succeed.NC Pre-KThe statewide NC Pre-K program prepares eligible 4-year-olds for school by providing high-quality early education in both public and private settings.Transition to Kindergartenthe Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) Initiative, a collaboration between Durham Public Schools and Durham’s Partnership for Children, builds connections that prepare parents, children, and schools for a successful transition to kindergarten.