Early Head Start
A Strong Start for Maryland’s Youngest Learners
Maryland Family Network’s Early Head Start (EHS) offers free, high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family support for infants and toddlers ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Our mission is to nurture each child’s healthy development — and empower families to thrive.
Early Head Start was founded in 1994, building on the Head Start model established in 1965. As a federally funded program through the Administration for Children & Families (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services), we meet rigorous national standards to ensure high-quality outcomes for every child and family.
EHS is more than a program. It’s a partnership between educators and families that builds the foundation for lifelong learning, well-being, and success.
Find an Early Head Start Center Near You
More Than Child Care — Our Mission & Goals
At Early Head Start, we believe that a child’s most important teachers are their parents and caregivers. We work side-by-side with families to support children’s development and strengthen the entire family.
Our core goals include:
School Readiness
Supporting the cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development that prepares children for preschool and lifelong learning.
Safe & Healthy Children
Providing a nurturing environment that prioritizes children’s safety, health, nutrition, and emotional well-being.
Strong & Supported Families
Helping families achieve their goals through parenting support, financial literacy, employment resources, healthcare connections, and family engagement opportunities.
Comprehensive Services for Children & Families
EHS services are provided in a five-day-a-week center-based setting, following all national Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care regulations.
For Your Child
Our classrooms are warm, responsive, and designed for exploration. Educators build trusting relationships so infants and toddlers can learn and grow confidently.
We proudly serve children with disabilities and collaborate with families to ensure every child receives the individualized support they need.
Our child services include:
- Individualized curriculum supporting brain development, language, communication, physical, social, and emotional skills
- Free diapers, wipes, formula, and support for potty learning
- Free nutritious meals meeting USDA standards
- High-quality, regulated care that meets all Office of Child Care requirements
- Mental health consultation for children and families
- Research-based caregiver practices that nurture relationships
- Developmental screenings, ongoing assessments, and one-on-one teacher conferences
For Your Family
We believe in a whole-family approach. You know your child best — we are here to support your knowledge, goals, and strengths. Families benefit from:
Parenting Education
Workshops and resources on developmental milestones, early literacy, and positive parenting practices.
Health & Wellness Support
Connections to prenatal and postpartum care, mental health resources, nutrition counseling, and medical and dental services.
Goal Setting & Achievement
Staff partner with families to set and pursue goals related to education, employment, financial stability, housing, and community resources.
Classroom & Program Involvement
Caregivers may volunteer, join events, and help shape the learning environment — while building friendships and support networks.
Leadership & Advocacy Opportunities
We help parents become leaders in their homes, communities, and the program through:
- Policy Council participation
- Advisory committees
- Advocacy training
Families who participate fully often experience:
- Stronger parenting skills
- Improved parent-child relationships
- Greater confidence
- Expanded social networks
Eligibility & Cost
Early Head Start is free for families who meet federal income eligibility guidelines. Contact a Center to ask about your eligibility. EHS welcomes and prioritizes:
Find an MFN Early Head Start Center
EHS centers are located across Maryland. Find the one closest to you to learn more about their services, hours, and enrollment process.
Baltimore City
St. Vincent de Paul Early Head Start – Arundel
2400 Round Road
Baltimore, MD 21225
Director Shainna Ashe
Email Shainna.ashe@vincentbaltimore.org
Phone 410.578.0244
Fax 443.873.5830
Sponsor St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore
Bon Secours Family Support Center
26 N. Fulton Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21223
Director Andrea Person
Email andrea_person@bshsi.org
Phone 410.801.5100
Fax 410.362.3649
Sponsor Bon Secours Baltimore Community Works, Inc.
Coppin State University Child Development Center
2500 West North Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21216
Director Anissa Dillard
Email adillard@goodwillches.org
Phone 410.235.0555
Fax 410.366.7720
Sponsor Goodwill of the Chesapeake, Inc.
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Early Childhood Center
Henderson-Hopkins School
2100 Ashland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21205
Director Saudah Parker
Email sparker@jhu.edu
Phone 443.642.4103
Fax 410.522.1032
Sponsor Downtown Baltimore Child Care Center, Inc.
University Center
237 Arch Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Director Nikeiha Wallace
Email nikeihaw@dbcckids.org
Phone: 410.659.0515
Sponsor Downtown Baltimore Child Care Center, Inc.
Dukeland Early Head Start
2803 N. Dukeland Street
Baltimore, MD 21216
Director Claudia Ray
Email cray@goodwillches.org
Phone 443.835.3700
Fax 410.396.5453
Sponsor Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake
Our House Early Head Start
2707 Sethlow Road
Baltimore, MD 21225
Director Claudia Ray
Email cray@goodwillches.org
Phone 410.396.8469
Fax 410.350.0212
Sponsor Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake
St. Vincent de Paul – Arlington
Arlington Elementary School
3705 W. Rogers Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Director Shainna Ashe
Email Shainna.ashe@vincentbaltimore.org
Phone 410.578.0244
Fax 410.367.1927
Sponsor St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore
St. Vincent de Paul – Pimlico
4330-D Pimlico Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
Director Shainna Ashe
Email Shainna.ashe@vincentbaltimore.org
Phone 410.578.0244
Fax 410.367.1927
Sponsor St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore
St. Vincent de Paul Early Head Start at Sarah’s Hope
1114 N. Mount Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
Director Shainna Ashe
Email shainna.ashe@vincentbaltimore.org
Phone 410.578.0244
Fax 410.367.1927
Sponsor St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore
Southeast Baltimore Early Head Start Center
1101 Valley Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Director Kim Cosgrove
Email cosgrove@kennedykrieger.org
Phone 443.923.4300
Fax 410.563.2725
Sponsor Kennedy Krieger Institute
Waverly Early Head Start Center of Goodwill
829 Montpelier Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Director Anissa Dillard
Email adillard@goodwillches.org
Phone 410.235.0555
Fax 410.366.7720
Sponsor Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel Early Head Start
135 Stepneys Lane
Edgewater, MD 21037
Director Fatima Brown
Email fbrown@aaccaa.info
Phone 443.951.5553
Fax 410.951.5575
Sponsor Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency
Dorchester County
Dorchester Early Learning Center
824 Fairmount Avenue
Cambridge, MD 21613
Director Gail Taylor
Email gtaylor@shoreup.org
Phone 410.901.2015
Fax 410.901.2836
Sponsor SHORE UP!, Inc.
Talbot County
Talbot County Family Support Center
305 Glenwood Avenue
Easton, MD 21601
Director Barbra Diaz
Email Barbra.diaz@maryland.gov
Phone 410.820.6940
Fax 410.820.6958
Sponsor Talbot County Health Department
Resources For Families
Parenting takes more than love—it takes support. We partner with families to build strong starts with trusted care, community, and connection.
Resources For Providers
High-quality care begins with well-supported educators. MFN invests in ongoing professional development for Early Head Start teachers through coaching, training, and reflective practice.