HFP Early Head Start Celebrates Children Transitioning out of EHS With Event at Smith Playground

ehs smith playground mother and child

Aug. 26, 2025

It was a day of celebration at Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse on Aug. 11 as 37 3-year-olds transitioned from the Health Federation of Philadelphia’s Early Head Start program.

The “little stars” and their families were on hand along with program staff, with the children and parents receiving certificates marking the accomplishment and transition. This Transition Socialization event was one of several events held by Early Head Start to mark Transition Month.

“Our Transition Socialization is a meaningful milestone for our children and families,” said Khadijah Muhammad, Director of Early Head Start. “We celebrate not only how much our ‘little stars’ have grown during their time in Early Head Start, but also the new journeys they are beginning as they enter the next stage of learning. This day reflects the dedication of our families, the hard work of our staff, and the bright futures ahead for every child.” 

Early Head Start is a federally funded program that provides child development and family support for pregnant women and families with children up to 3 years old. Comprehensive services provided by Early Head Start include early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support, while also connecting families to community resources and meeting the special needs of children with disabilities.

 

Up next for the children and their families is the transition to a Head Start program or another pre-K program.

“Early Head Start is about supporting the whole family, and this transition is a powerful reminder of that,” Muhammad said. “Our children leave with a strong foundation for learning, while parents take with them the confidence, skills, and connections they’ve built along the way. Together, these accomplishments prepare families for success well beyond Early Head Start.”

Early Head Start provides home-based services designed for the entire family. 

“When I first started with EHS 8 years ago, I was very apprehensive about strangers coming into my house and being in my space,” said Early Head Start parent R. Montgomery. “My Child and Family Educator at the time was Ms. Wanda Rush (RIP). The level of comfort she made me feel with her gave me the confidence to fully embrace the program and all it had to offer. 

“Here we are all these years later, and I'm in the program still with my second child. The things I have learned and the relationships I have developed mean the world to me and I will treasure for life,” Montgomery said.

Those interested in Early Head Start enrollment can view the form, or contact Lisbel Madera at lmadera@healthfederation.org or 15-223-5200 ext. 155 for enrollment information.

--
About the Health Federation of Philadelphia

The Health Federation of Philadelphia is a public health nonprofit that promotes health equity for marginalized communities by advancing access to high-quality, integrated, and comprehensive health and human services.

The Health Federation of Philadelphia serves as a keystone supporting a network of Community Health Centers as well as the broader base of public and private-sector organizations that deliver healthcare, public health and human services to vulnerable populations.

–

This website is supported by Grant Number 03CH012936 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the Health Federation of Philadelphia and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.