Early Steps to School Success
Early Steps to School Success (ESSS) builds strong foundations for parenting and school readiness in communities with limited resources. The model aims to help provide children with the skills necessary for success in school; empower parents with the knowledge and skills to support their children’s education; strengthen the connection between the home, school, and community; and significantly increase early childhood knowledge and skills in communities.
What is the model’s approach to providing home visiting services?
Home visits take place twice a month until a child is 3 years old. ESSS recommends that families begin services prenatally, but they can enroll any time before the child is 2 years old.
ESSS’ service population includes the following:
- Expectant caregivers
- Families with low incomes
- First-time caregivers
- Caregivers under 21 years old
- Caregivers with limited access to education
Who is implementing the model?
Home Visitors
ESSS was implemented by 143 home visitors in 2021. The model requires a high school diploma or GED and experience working with families and children for home visitors; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and experience in home visiting and child health and/or development are recommended. Home visitors are required to maintain a caseload of 20 children.
Supervisors
ESSS was implemented by 20 supervisors in 2021. The model requires a bachelor’s degree and experience in early education, child health and/or development, home visiting, staff supervision, and working with families and children for supervisors; a master’s degree is recommended.
Where is the model implemented?
ESSS operated in 118 local agencies across 9 states in 2021.
Families Served Through Home Visiting in 2021
Race
* American Indian/Alaska Native
<1% Asian/Pacific Islander
25% Black
67% White
1% Multiple
5% Another race
Caregiver age
8% ≤21 years
42% 22-29 years
45% 30-44 years
5% ≥45 years
Caregiver education
15% No HS diploma
44% HS diploma or GED
23% Some college or training
18% Bachelor's degree or higher
Ethnicity
21% Hispanic or Latino
79% Not Hispanic or Latino
Primary language
84% English
14% Spanish
1% Another language
Household income
88% Low-income status
12% Not low-income status
Child age
16% <1 year
50% 1-2 years
34% 3-5 years