Early Head Start
Early Head Start is a free, federally funded community-based program for low-income pregnant women and eligible families with infants and toddlers under the age of three. It is an intensive, comprehensive, flexible, culturally sensitive program that is designed to reinforce and respond to the unique strengths and needs of each individual child and family. The mission of Early Head Start is to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhance the development of very young children, and promote healthy families.
Verner is the only Early Head Start provider in Buncombe County, North Carolina! This program offers free child care to eligible children 6 weeks to 3 years of age through our classrooms and our home-based program.
Verner Early Head Start offers children and families comprehensive services including child development, health, and family services. Once enrolled, children are eligible for Early Head Start services until three years of age (the end of the program year in which they have turned three).
Verner is the only Early Head Start provider in Buncombe County, North Carolina! This program offers free child care to eligible children 6 weeks to 3 years of age through our classrooms and our home-based program.
Verner Early Head Start offers children and families comprehensive services including child development, health, and family services. Once enrolled, children are eligible for Early Head Start services until three years of age (the end of the program year in which they have turned three).
Verner’s Center-Based Early Head Start Locations
Verner offers center-based care at our sites in Buncombe County and Asheville City:
Where you live will determine which location you may qualify for.
- Verner East on Riceville Rd. on the Warren Wilson campus in East Asheville/Swannanoa
- Verner West at Montmorenci United Methodist Church in Candler
- Verner Central at Pisgah View
- Coming Soon: Verner Central at Emma Elementary School in West Asheville
Where you live will determine which location you may qualify for.
Home-Based Early Head Start
Verner also provides home-based services to pregnant women and children ages birth to three. This is a great option for families who want parenting support but are not interested in or able to enroll their child in a child care center.
Verner’s Home-Based Program serves low-income families throughout Buncombe County. Our In-Home Educators visit a family’s home for 90 minutes each week throughout the year.
Services for pregnant women include prenatal education and individualized support during the pregnancy and after the baby is born.
Families of children 0 to 3 years of age receive weekly home visits to support them in their role as the primary caregiver of their child and to facilitate the child’s optimal development.
Families also participate in “Family Play and Learn” events each month. These events support child development by strengthening the parent/child bond, while giving families the opportunity to see their children interact with peers.
Verner’s Home-Based Program serves low-income families throughout Buncombe County. Our In-Home Educators visit a family’s home for 90 minutes each week throughout the year.
Services for pregnant women include prenatal education and individualized support during the pregnancy and after the baby is born.
Families of children 0 to 3 years of age receive weekly home visits to support them in their role as the primary caregiver of their child and to facilitate the child’s optimal development.
Families also participate in “Family Play and Learn” events each month. These events support child development by strengthening the parent/child bond, while giving families the opportunity to see their children interact with peers.
Early Head Start Eligibility
Early Head Start provides free services primarily for low-income families that meet the federal income guidelines (income is determined to be at or below the federal poverty level). Families experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and families that are receiving aid from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), North Carolina’s Work First program, or SSI.
How to Apply for Early Head Start
If you are interested in applying for Verner’s Early Head Start program, begin the enrollment process by visiting our Verner Enrollment and Tuition page to fill out an application.
After you submit your online application, Verner’s Enrollment Coordinator will contact you to discuss the process moving forward.
Required DocumentsCopies of the following paperwork will be necessary to complete your eligibility application for the Early Head Start program:
After you submit your online application, Verner’s Enrollment Coordinator will contact you to discuss the process moving forward.
Required DocumentsCopies of the following paperwork will be necessary to complete your eligibility application for the Early Head Start program:
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residency
- Proof of income (W2 and/or a month’s worth of pay stubs)
NC Early Head Start Waitlist
Due to the high demand for childcare, a waiting list is in place for all ages at each center. Families are encouraged to begin the enrollment process for their child to be placed on the waitlist.
Most Early Head Start openings occur between May and September, as our preschoolers move on to kindergarten, but occasionally openings happen mid-year.
Wait listed children are not admitted on a first come first served basis. Instead, access is determined by turnover in each classroom with a priority to replace the slot for that child’s age.
Enrolling in Verner’s Home-Based program will help you get higher on the waitlist for placement in a Center-Based program.
You may email Verner at enrollment@verneremail.org to ask questions about Early Head Start, set up a tour or to make an eligibility appointment.
Most Early Head Start openings occur between May and September, as our preschoolers move on to kindergarten, but occasionally openings happen mid-year.
Wait listed children are not admitted on a first come first served basis. Instead, access is determined by turnover in each classroom with a priority to replace the slot for that child’s age.
Enrolling in Verner’s Home-Based program will help you get higher on the waitlist for placement in a Center-Based program.
You may email Verner at enrollment@verneremail.org to ask questions about Early Head Start, set up a tour or to make an eligibility appointment.