Early Childhood & Family Support
Head Start, Early Head Start, State Preschool & General Child Care
In May 2019, AFS was awarded a contract with the California Department of Education for State of California's Preschool Program and expanded services to include General Child Care in June 2020.
The Early Childhood and Family Support Division offers services through Head Start / Early Head Start, and our Family Support Resource Center.
Our Head Start and Early Head Start Program, which is provided through the Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services, offers a strength based approach to supporting child development, school readiness and socialization for children from prenatal birth to five years old. The program also provides comprehensive health and family support services in partnership with parents in achieving a rich educational environment, as well as fostering family and community engagement.
Additionally, our Family Support Resource Center was created to empower and support individuals and families by connecting with resources in the community and bringing resources to a central location for the community to access.
Early Childhood - Head Start / Early Head Start Program
Alameda Family Services has administered the Head Start program since the early 1970’s and added the Early Head Start Program in 2009. Each classroom provides a safe and engaging learning environment that supports the child’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. A child’s individual interests, languages, cultural backgrounds, learning styles and disabilities are taken into account and accommodated
Our program also offers a variety of classroom schedules and options based on the child’s age and the needs of the family. They include part-day, full-day, and a home-based program. We also offer resources and facilitate referrals to providers for the following services as needed:
Special Education
Family Services & Involvement
Mental and Medical Health
Nutrition
Fees & Eligibility
Services are no-cost for families with age eligible children. Our criteria for placement in a Head Start or Early Head Start program can be found here.
Because the determination of eligibility is a complex process, please contact the enrollment office to discuss your interest in enrolling your child at 510-629-6333.
Early Head Start / Early Learning and Care
Family Support Resource Center
We know the importance of having a stable home environment in order for families to flourish and prosper. Our Family Support Resource Center supports and empowers individuals, families, and seniors (50+) by assisting them with accessing resources in the community.
Including but not limited to:
Assistance with housing resources
Referrals to food assistance programs
Transitional support for families with children Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Referrals to mental health and substance abuse treatment services
Advocacy and assistance to other resources in the community
Workforce Development
Medi-Cal application assistance
Comprehensive health resources and referrals
The Family Support Resource Center also offers support in partnership with Mastick Senior Center and through our mobile service center operated with the Alameda Early Learning Community Network and sponsored by Alameda County First 5.
Fees & Eligibility
All case management services are free and walk-ins are welcome during normal business hours.
In partnership with the Mastick Senior Center, the Senior Connections Case Manager provides free services to seniors 50 years and older. Services are delivered at the location that is most convenient, which may include the home, community or the Mastick Senior Center.
Contact & Hours
Our Family Support Resource Center is located at 1903 Third Street, Alameda, CA 94501. All case management services are available during normal business hours, 9-5pm. You may also call 510-612-7807 to schedule an appointment at the Family Support Resource Center.
Please call 510-747-7505 for the Senior Connections Case Manager to schedule an appointment. The Senior Connections Case Manager is available at:
Mastick Senior Center: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 3 pm
Family Support Services Center: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 8 am - 4 pm
