Pathways for Children

Pathways for children is the head start and early head start grant holder for the n. shore and cape ann areas serving up to 294 preschooler and 16 toddlers annually. In fy23, Pathways continued full in person services with strict safety guidelines due to covid-19. Pathways increased preschool enrollment from 212 in fy22 to 263 in fy23. Enrolled children received early education services, nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, referrals for special services and family support. Social workers partnered with families to help them achieve self-identified goals and access to community resources. Pathways increased to "duration" school hours for all preschoolers: 5 days per week and 5.5 hours per day.

Pathways for children has dept of early education and care contracts to provide childcare for income eligible families and families involved with the dept of children and families. In fy23, Pathways provided up to 10 hours a day of childcare year round for 36 preschoolers, 72 school age children and 12 toddlers. Enrollment increased from fy22 to fy23 in all 3 programs. Eligible families have parents working full-time, engaged in job search, enrolled in a degree program or working with dcf on parent goals. The comprehensive educational programs include recreational and enrichment activities including field trips for school age children, referrals for special services and family support. Combined with head start, these programs provide a continuum of care for children from age one to age 12 in our gloucester center.