Early Steps to School Success
Early Steps to School Success (ESSS) builds strong foundations for parenting and school readiness in rural communities with limited resources. The two-generation model aims to provide children with the skills necessary for success in school; empower parents with the knowledge and skills to support their child’s development and 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 107 home visitors in 2025. 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 14 supervisors in 2025. 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 120 local agencies across 10 states in 2025.
Families Served Through Home Visiting in 2025
Race
3% Native American
* Asian/Pacific Islander
25% Black
48% White
1% Multiple
23% Another race
Ethnicity
25% Hispanic or Latino
75% Not Hispanic or Latino
Caregiver age
7% ≤21 years
40% 22-29 years
48% 30-44 years
5% ≥45 years
Caregiver education
14% No HS diploma
47% HS diploma or GED
20% Some college or training
20% Bachelor's degree or higher
Primary language
85% English
14% Spanish
<1% Another language
Household income
85% Low-income status
15% Not low-income status
Child age
12% <1 year
52% 1-2 years
36% 3-5 years