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42 U.S. Code § 9840a. Early Head Start programs
(a) In general
The Secretary shall make grants to entities (referred to in this subchapter as “Early Head Start agencies”) in accordance with this section for programs (referred to in this subchapter as “Early Head Start programs”) providing family-centered services for low-income families with very young children designed to promote the development of the children, and to enable their parents to fulfill their roles as parents and to move toward self-sufficiency.
(b) Scope and design of programsIn carrying out a program described in subsection (a), an entity receiving assistance under this section shall—
(1)
provide, either directly or through referral, early, continuous, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services that will enhance the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of participating children;
(2)
ensure that the level of services provided to families responds to their needs and circumstances;
(3)
promote positive parent-child interactions;
(4)
provide services to parents to support their role as parents (including parenting skills training and training in basic child development) and services to help the families move toward self-sufficiency (including educational and employment services, as appropriate);
(5)
coordinate services with services provided by programs in the State (including home-based services) and programs in the community (including programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities and programs for homeless infants and toddlers) to ensure a comprehensive array of services (such as health and mental health services and family support services);
(6)
ensure that children with documented behavioral problems, including problems involving behavior related to prior or existing trauma, receive appropriate screening and referral;
(7)
ensure formal linkages with local Head Start programs in order to provide for continuity of services for children and families;