EARLY CHILDHOOD

Universal Pre-K makes access to preschool education available to all children within the preschool age bracket – typically 3- and 4-year-olds. Researchers agree that brain development in children in the years leading up to kindergarten lays the foundation for their future success. Pre-K programs promote children’s age-appropriate educational experiences, including language development, early literacy skills, and cognitive, physical, and social skills.

Babies Step Forward (BSF) is a unique Early Head Start program that provides high-quality early child care and education with related support services for children 6 weeks to 3 years old and their families. Babies Step Forward (BSF) is located throughout Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam counties and currently operates within 22 BSF centers and Group Family Childcare settings. WestCOP collaborates with various early childhood programs and community partners to offer families, children, and staff a wide range of program enhancements. Babies Step Forward is an all-inclusive service that includes:

• Developmentally-appropriate curriculum for infants and toddlers
• Screenings, assessments, and services to support social, emotional, language, cognitive and physical development
• Family support, parenting groups, nutrition guidance, and access to community resources.