Early Child Development Services

The Vogel Alcove serves a broad segment of the homeless population in Dallas by providing free childcare for young children living in local homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and transitional housing programs. In a warm, nurturing environment, the Alcove welcomes 115 homeless children, six weeks to five years old, without regard to race, ethnicity or religion. Licensed by the State of Texas, the center operates year-round, Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm.

The Early Child Development Services component works to develop cognitive, motor and literacy skills in order to prepare children to enter school at the same level as their peers. Free services include:

• Early childhood education using a developmentally appropriate, research-based curriculum and assessment tools
• Low staff-to-child ratio in a child-centered environment
• Screens to check for developmental delays, and intervention if delays are found
• Basics needs: home cooked meals, infant formula, diapers, shoes and clothing
• On-site Nutritionist to work with the staff and families to address proper health and nutrition