Early Childhood
Early Childhood Support Services
Early Childhood Support Services (ECSS) support families with children birth to five in the areas of child care, child development, special needs and parenting support through an array of services such as workshops, professional development, home visiting, screening and assessment. The ECSS department focuses on the strengths and needs of very young children and the important adults in their lives. Programs include:
- Early Learning Community
- Early On
- Let's Talk
- Parents as Teachers
Great Start Readiness Program
The Guidance Center’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a high quality preschool program for four-year-old children with factors that may place them at risk of low educational obtainment. Click here for more information.
Head Start
Head Start is a free, quality preschool program for three and four-year-old children. This program helps children get ready for kindergarten by teaching them pre-reading and writing skills as well as how to get along with other children. Classrooms are run by highly trained and credentialed teachers and each day includes healthy meals and snacks. Families must meet income criteria in order to be eligible, although all families are encouraged to apply. Click here for more information.
Mental Health
The Center for Early Childhood offers mental health services for families with infants, toddlers and preschool age children. All services support the parent-child relationship and healthy growth and development. The Parent-Infant Program offers intensive home-based services for pregnant women and families with children birth to three years old. Bridges serves families of three - six year olds enrolled in The Guidance Center Head Start programs. In both programs, families receive parent-child therapy, emotional support, developmental guidance, advocacy and help with accessing community services. The new ABC’s of Early Childhood is a prevention program for families with a child or children, birth through three years old. This program also provides home visits for families at risk and in need of support.
Community Resource Centers
The Guidance Center has seven Community Resource Centers (CRC) throughout the Downriver area. Community Resource Centers are conveniently located in Southgate, River Rouge, Flat Rock, Belleville, Lincoln Park, Romulus and Taylor. Children, adults and families may visit any of the CRCs to check out library materials, enroll in an Adult/Child playgroup, and learn about parenting supports, local activities and assistance programs. The CRCs also offer parenting resources (classes, workshops and groups), infant massage, after-school tutoring, and activities for K-8th grade students and GED tutoring for adults. To learn more about the CRCs contact the program supervisor at 734-785-7705 x7119.
