Early Head Start
Support for families with children ages 0–3, including home visits and child development help.
Supporting families from the very beginning.
Venice Family Clinic’s Early Head Start program provides comprehensive support for families with children from birth to age 3 and expectant parents. Our goal is to promote the health, safety and well-being of young children by:
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- Strengthening the bond between parents and their children
- Providing access to medical and dental care, and
- Connecting families with essential community resources
Through home visits, developmental screenings and playgroups, we help parents learn about their child’s needs and create a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
Click here to read our 2024 Annual Report.
Care Provided
Home Base Program
Weekly visits with qualified child development staff provide developmental assessments, health screenings and parent coaching, all at the family’s home. These visits strengthen the parent-child bond and give families the tools to support healthy growth.
Center Base Program
Families have access to quality early learning centers where children can play, grow and learn with their peers. Children come to school five days a week and participate in activities that support their development.
Developmental Support
Guidance to help parents understand their child’s growth at every stage. We help track milestones and address concerns early through trusted partnerships. We do a hearing, vision, social, emotional, and developmental screening within 45 days of enrollment.
Medical & Dental Care Access
Assistance with finding a consistent medical home for pediatric and prenatal care, immunizations and dental care. We make sure families are connected to services that support lifelong health. Click here to learn about Pediatric Care, Women’s Health and Dental Care .
Community Resource Referrals
Connections to housing, food, childcare, employment, education and services for children with disabilities. Our staff connects families to the support systems they need to thrive.
Home Base Playgroups
Twice-monthly gatherings where parents and children connect through developmental activities while connecting with other families. A snack, tooth brushing, and hand washing are also part of the play group experience. These events promote learning, confidence and social connection.
Eligibility & Enrollment
Who Qualifies?
Families must meet both age and income eligibility (living at or below 100% of the federal poverty level) and geographic eligibility (living in designated areas including Santa Monica, Venice, Inglewood, Hawthorne, and more). Please call (310) 664-7536 to check if your area is eligible.
Enrollment Process
Applications are accepted year-round, and families with the highest needs receive priority.
Do you want to know more?
For more information call (310) 664-7536 or complete the following form:
Locations
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Hawlawn Early Head Start Center
4754 W 120th St. Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 664-7536
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Prairie Place - Playgroups
10318 Prairie Ave., Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 664-7536
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Inglewood Crenshaw Children and Family Center
11161 Crenshaw Blvd, Inglewood CA 90303
(310) 664-7536
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Simms/Mann Health & Wellness Center - Main Office
2509 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 664-7536
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Homelight
Please direct inquiries to our staff.
(310) 664-7536
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L.A. Care Resource Center (playgroups)
11173 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 231-3854
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of the center-based program?
Our centers are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week.
How often do you come to my house?
Your home visitor will join you at home for a 90–minute visit every week.
Where are the centers located?
Our sites are based in Hawthorne and Inglewood. See above.
What happens when my child is 3?
We will set you and your child up for success by helping transition your family to the appropriate site for your child to start preschool.
Do the children get snacks when they go to school?
Yes, they get breakfast, lunch and a snack.
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This website is supported by Grant Number 09CH012415 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Venice Family Clinic and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.