Our Programs

IHSD provides a variety of services for children and their families in San Mateo County. For children under age two, we offer Early Head Start and other infant/toddler programs. For children ages three to five, we have several preschool programs, including Head Start. We also provide a range of support services for parents and families of participants in our child development programs.

IHSD programs:

• Provide a learning environment and activities that foster independence and help children develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.
• Promote physical growth by providing indoor and outdoor play and learning areas with appropriate materials and equipment.
• Integrate children with disabilities and develop individualized programs to meet their special needs.
• Provide an educational curriculum and resources that meet the individual needs of children from San Mateo County’s diverse, multicultural population.
• Care for the whole child, including their health, nutrition, and mental health.
• Support parents as primary educators of their children.
• Offer parents resources and training to help them achieve their fullest potential.
• Encourage parents to participate in the program in the following ways:

  - taking part in classroom activities, such as parent-child days and phase-in day;

  - helping teaching staff plan activities and make decisions about program content;

  - reviewing their child(ren)’s educational plans and progress and making suggestions; and

  - engaging in learning activities at home with their child(ren).
• Help parents learn about children growth, development, and provide learning activities that families can do at home.
• Provide a safe, healthy physical environment that meets state and local licensing requirements