Southwest Thrive By Five

Thrive by Five is a new federally-funded, early childhood educatiion program designed to help families break the cycle of poverty. The program is free for eligible families. Services are offered in English and Spanish. Full-day and half-day options are available.

Early Head Start serves children 0-3 years old and pregnant mothers. It is offered either in one of our centers or through home visits. Center-based services are provided to parents who work 20 or more hours per week or who are in school at least part-time (6 credit hours). Home-based services consist of weekly 90-minute home visits from an Early Childhood Educator and Play & Learn Groups that meet two times a month.

Head Start serves children 3-5 years old. Both Early Head Start and Head Start are based on proven practices and the latest research to provide children learning activities that develop their intellectual, social, emotional and physical abilities so they will be well-prepared for success in school and life.

Thrive by Five provides a broad range of wraparound services to strengthen family ties, assist parents in their role as a child’s first teacher, and help families better their lives.

The Thrive by Five support services include:

- Individualized educational learning plans
- Health living and nutrition lessons
- Family goal setting and support
- Specialized services for children with disabilities
- Prenatal services for pregnant women
- Parental skills training
- Opportunities for parent leadership and learning
- Medical and dental care referrals
- Mental health services
- Social service referrals and support