Early Head Start and Head Start
Early Head Start and Head Start provide comprehensive support for families and their children in the areas of education, health, nutrition and mental health. Early Head Start is for families with pregnant mothers and for parents with children ages 0-3. Head Start is designed for families with children ages 3-5. Both programs encourage parents to envision their role as their child’s primary teacher. Parents are supported in such areas as health and nutrition, prenatal education, GED/literacy and employment/training. Eligibility is based on federal income guidelines. To enroll in Early Head Start, parents must provide: Family information, the child’s birth certificate, proof of address, proof of at least one month of income, and a current immunization report for their child. For more information on Early Head Start please call (617) 442-8800, ext. 1423, for additional information on Head Start please call (617) 822-4020, ext. 0.

Dimock’s Preschool
A center-based preschool educational program, Dimock’s Preschool is licensed to serve 95 at-risk 3 and 4 year old children. The program has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, since 1996. The Preschool provides children with opportunities for learning and exploration as the foundation for the basic skills in language, reading, and problem-solving. The preschool also provides a rewarding and stimulating environment that is safe yet challenging for youngsters and helps parents develop more effective strategies for dealing with children at home. For more information, please call 617-442-8800, x1358.

Youth Development & Enrichment Services
Growing up in today’s world poses unique challenges for young people. Youth Development & Enrichment services offers comprehensive health, education and recreation programs for youths on Dimock’s campus and in other settings across the city. In addition to addressing basic needs, Youth Development & Enrichment Services promotes self-esteem, responsibility and learning, all of which empower youths to make healthy lifestyle choices.

SmartKids After-school Program

The mission of the Smartkids After-school Program is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and their families. Our directors and staff are committed to fostering social, emotional and academic development. We work together with families, city resources, communities and educators for the prosperity of our students and their futures. SmartKids provides a quality, play-based educational program to meet the academic needs of children. The staff recognizes each child as a unique individual with special needs and talents. We maintain a safe comfortable environment, which encourages respect for one’s self and others. The full-year program offers a variety of activities, including Academic Enrichment, Culture and Arts, Physical activities, a computer Lab and a Library. The Cambridge-based organization, Knuckle Bones (www.knucklebones.us) has partnered with Dimock SmartKids to run fun physical exercise and activities on Fridays.  We accept vouchers. For more information please call 617-442-8800, x.1437. 

Early Intervention Program
The Dimock Early Intervention Program provides a range of therapeutic service and support to children, from birth to age three, and their families. The Early Intervention Program is certified through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A goal of the program is to help a family support and sustain their child’s maximum developmental growth in the context of the family’s everyday life. All services are voluntary.

Individual, therapeutic services are provided in natural settings, including the home and early care and education settings - whichever is most convenient for the family. Therapeutic Child Group services are available at the Roxbury and Allston site offices for children age 18 - 36 months old. Parent Groups are provided at the Allston office.

Staffing
The Dimock Center has a highly qualified team of professional clinicians credentialed through the Department of Public Health in the following discipline areas:
* Speech Language Pathology
* Physical Therapy
* Occupational Therapy
* Education
* Developmental Specialists
* Social Work
* Psychology

Cost
Early Intervention services are provided without cost to families. In instances where a family’s insurance does not cover Early Intervention services, the Department of Public Health will assume the cost.  However, some families may be asked to pay the DPH Annual Participation Fee.  Families receiving MassHealth (Medicaid) are excluded from the fee.

Referral Process
Referrals are accepted Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Call the Dimock Early Intervention Referral Line at 617-442-8800,x1414.  In order to expedite the process, please be prepared to provide the following information:
* Name of child being referred
* Child's date of birth
* Reason for referral
* Name of child's caretaker
* Telephone number and address of caretaker
* Insurance information (if applicable)
* Primary language spoken
* Pediatrician's name

The Mary Eliza Mahoney Emergency Family House Shelter
Completely funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), The Mary Eliza Mahoney House Emergency Family Shelter is a closed referral program serving DHCD homeless families. The House is one of the few shelters in Massachusetts that accept boys up to age 18 and male head-of-households.

The program is designed for families having difficulties in finding and securing safe affordable housing. While locating and securing safe, permanent housing for guests is the main focus, Mary Eliza Mahoney House staff work to assist all families in navigating service-based programs both on and off campus.

This housing program provides food, shelter, health care, youth services and referral services for education, training and housing through pro-active case management.