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 254 preschooler and 16 toddlers annually. Children are enrolled based on income eligibility with the program goal to serve the most vulnerable children in the community. In fy24, Pathways served its full enrollment of 254 preschoolers and 16 toddlers and this included 98 children experiencing homelessness (36%) and 144 children whose first language was not english (53%). Enrolled children received early education services, nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, referrals for special services and family support. Family advocates partnered with families to help them achieve self-identified goals and access to community resources.

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 fy24, Pathways provided up to 10 hours a day of childcare year round for 36 preschoolers, 78 school age children and 12 toddlers. Enrollment increased from fy23 to fy24 in all 3 programs. Eligible families have parents working, 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 11 in our gloucester center.