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 155 home visitors in 2022. 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 43 supervisors in 2022. 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 155 local agencies across 9 states in 2022.
Families Served Through Home Visiting in 2022
Race
* Native American
<1% Asian/Pacific Islander
25% Black
66% White
1% Multiple
6% Another race
Caregiver age
5% ≤21 years
39% 22-29 years
51% 30-44 years
5% ≥45 years
Caregiver education
14% No HS diploma
46% HS diploma or GED
21% Some college or training
18% Bachelor's degree or higher
Ethnicity
23% Hispanic or Latino
77% Not Hispanic or Latino
Primary language
84% English
15% Spanish
1% Another language
Household income
86% Low-income status
14% Not low-income status
Child age
16% <1 year
53% 1-2 years
31% 3-5 years