La Madrugada Early Head Start
City of Albuquerque/YDI Partnership

La Madrugada Early Head Start 2520 Virginia Albuquerque, NM 87110 291-9394

YDI Early Head Start partners with the City of Albuquerque in providing center-based Early Head Start services for eight infants and eight toddlers for their Early Head Start program at YDI’s Heights Child Development Center. The Early Head Start services provide a full day, year round program of high quality early education and care. Such care maximizes each child’s development in all domains: physical, emotional, cognitive, language, and motor. Children’s growth and development is documented throughout their enrollment with the use of the Focused Portfolio Assessment tool, which captures learning, documents observation, and assists teachers in planning an individualized curriculum for each child. Evaluation, diagnosis, and special services, along with a nurturing mainstreamed classroom environment is provided for children with special needs. Staffing includes YDI and City of Albuquerque staff, parent(s), and any special services staff that may be indicated. The YDI Early Head Start transition component also works closely with the La Madrugada staff parents, and YDI Head Start staff to provide a smooth transition into Head Start or the City’s preschool program.

Fostering a close bond between parent and child is an integral part of YDI Early Head Start services. Teacher and parent communicate twice daily and key observations are recorded on the daily sheet. A copy of that record goes home with the parent and another copy remains in the child’s file. Through such communication the program supports the ability of participating parents to become caring and resourceful parents who have bonded successfully with their children. YDI Early Head Start staff also work closely with the City of Albuquerque’s staff to ensure the family’s social service needs are met.