New childcare center opens in Charles County, announces open house

Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee Inc. (SMTCCAC) recently announced the opening of Brawners Early Head Start Program located at 6655 Weaver St. in Indian Head, according to a press release. An open house at the location is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, and on Friday, Nov. 2.

“Much of our work remains to be done to continue fulfilling our mission of providing needed services to residents with low-incomes in Southern Maryland,” said SMTCCAC CEO, Michael E. Young, in the release. “Based on our 2018 Community Needs Assessment, affordable childcare for birth to three-year-old children is very much needed in Charles County. Therefore, the opening of our new center for our Early Head Start Program continues our effort to build capacity in the communities we serve, and we appreciate the community’s support.”

The Early Head Start Program offers two services: a center-based classroom setting for 2-to-3-year-olds; and a home-based visiting for birth-to-3-year-olds.

The agency has been offering services to children 3 to 5 years of age and families for over 50 years. Extending the program to Early Head Start is an opportunity for young children to prepare for the Head Start experience, the press release states.

Early Head Start/Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by the social and cognitive development of children ages birth to 3 years old through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.

The Home Visiting Program meets families where they are by delivering family support and child development services in a comfortable environment (the home). A simple visit opens the doorway for parental support through a comprehensive approach. This program has been known to improve outcomes for children and families.

Requirements for the program are as follows, according to the release: • A family must meet federal income guidelines; • Child’s birth certificate and immunization record; • Child’s medical insurance card; • Proof of income for the previous three months; and

• Proof of residency for Charles County (P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable).

For more information, contact Donna Montgomery, Head Start director, at 301-274-4474, ext. 245.