LEO christens Early Headstart infant and toddler program

LYNN – Pregnant women of poor means can soon avail themselves of services at Lynn Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Early Headstart infant and toddler program, which will be housed in a new building at 33-35 Waitt St.LEO Executive Director Jack Mogielnicki was joined by U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney and other dignitaries Wednesday for a construction groundbreaking.Once up and running, the program will provide services to pregnant mothers and to children between infancy and age 3.”We’re talking about the real little ones,” said Mogielnicki. “We can take some of them into the program when their mothers are still pregnant. After all, some of these women might not want to be pregnant, so we can intervene with teaching prenatal care and by explaining why they shouldn’t drink or smoke. Some lack the basic skills when it comes to caring for an infant, which is much different than caring for a 4-year-old.”According to Mogielnicki, the two-part program will enroll 84 children. One part is home-based and services 36 children. “We go into their homes and they come to us a couple of times a month for services,” he said.The second part provides classroom instruction for 48 children. “No more than eight kids to a classroom, with two teachers per classroom and support staff,” he said.Eligibility is income-based.”We started taking applications six weeks ago. We signed up 84 and have another 179 on our waiting list,” he said. “There is a huge need at all levels.”Headstart, which provides meals and instruction, is designed for 3 and 4 year olds. Early Headstart is for those younger.The building is scheduled for completion in four months.