Ages 0-3
Infant/Toddler Program (Ages 0-3)
Early Head Start is a federally funded program, offering no cost services to low-income expectant and eligible families with infants and toddlers under the age of three.
This comprehensive, flexible, culturally responsive program is designed to reinforce and respond to the unique strengths and needs of each individual child and family. The mission of Early Head Start is to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for expectant families, enhance the development of very young children, and promote healthy families.
Verner is the only Early Head Start provider in Buncombe County, North Carolina!
Early Head Start is a federally funded program, offering no cost services to low-income expectant and eligible families with infants and toddlers under the age of three.
Verner’s Community-Based Program serves low-income families throughout Buncombe County. This is a great option for families who want parenting support but are not interested in or able to enroll their child in a child care center or center-based program.
Our Early Childhood Educators & Family Advocates visit a family for 90 minutes each week throughout the year. Services for expectant families include prenatal education and individualized support during the pregnancy and after the baby is born.
Through the program, families receive weekly home visits to support them in their role as the primary caregiver of their child and to facilitate the child’s optimal development. Families are also invited to participate in “Family Play and Learn” events each month. These events support child development by strengthening the parent/child bond, while giving children and families the opportunity to interact with peers. We also provide a Rainbow In My Tummy® meal or snack and offer transportation to those who need it.
Verner provides high quality tuition-based childcare and early education for babies and children from six weeks of age and up at both of our centers.
Verner’s programs offer low child-teacher ratios and a hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum.
Due to the high demand for childcare, a waiting list is in place for all ages at each center. Families are encouraged to begin the enrollment process for their child to be placed on the waitlist.
Tuition Rates:
2025/2026 school year: $1,690
2026/2027 school year: $1,747
Subsidies are available for families who meet income requirements. For those that do not qualify for free or subsidized childcare, private pay is an option.
More information:
Early Head Start provides free services primarily for low-income families that meet the federal income guidelines (income is determined to be at or below the federal poverty level), families experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and families that are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ( North Carolina’s Work First program), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
If you are interested in applying for Verner’s Early Head Start program, begin the enrollment process by applying to the waitlist on the Enrollment page here.
After you submit the online form, Verner’s Enrollment Coordinator will contact you to discuss the process moving forward.
Copies of the following paperwork will be necessary to complete your eligibility application for the Early Head Start program:
- Proof of Pregnancy or of Child’s Age
- Proof of Address
- Proof of Income
Children on the Early Head Start waitlist are not admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, access is determined based on a family’s level of need, which takes place during the application process. Slots are typically available at the start of each program year in August, or throughout the year if there is turnover in a particular classroom.
- Verner’s Center-Based Program provides two healthy meals and a snack each day at no additional cost.
- In addition to food and high-quality early childhood education, Verner offers many other supplemental services, such as a Health Coordinator, child development support, and family partnerships.