Early Head Start Home-Based Services: Research to Practice Brief

This research brief presents findings from the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project that pertain to home-based services, one of four service options Early Head Start offers to families. Programs offering the home-based option must meet the level of service intensity for home-based programs set by the Head Start Program Performance Standards. The standards specify weekly home visits and bimonthly socializations (parent-child play and interaction meetings), as well as other comprehensive services and referrals as needed. Research on home-based services, as reported here, can help programs determine if service intensity goals and desired outcomes are being attained. Findings may suggest improvements for the home-based option or changes in the range of options offered to families.