By Amanda Bryans
There is no simple answer to the question – “What is a Head Start program?”
Years ago, I attended a parent focus group full of actively involved mothers and fathers. As I sat in the room, one of the moms shared how she showed up for lunch, day after day, when her child first began the Head Start program. “I know the teachers thought I was just there for a free lunch,” she stated as the room erupted in laughter.
“That wasn’t it, though. I was there to learn how to set the table.” She enjoyed watching the children and teachers sit together and talk during meals. She explained that she grew up in poverty with an alcoholic parent, so she did not remember having family-style meals. The mom finished sharing by saying because of the Head Start program, both she and her daughter learned to set the table, and now every evening she prepared family meals for her and her daughters to eat together.
Research has shown children’s outcomes are better when families have meals together. Family style meals alone don’t define Head Start programs, but they are one of the components that make them so effective. Teaching families about family-style meals multiplies that impact. That mom’s story is one of many that define the Head Start program and its multifaceted impact on children and families.
Over the last 57 years, there have been countless efforts to describe us and ongoing debates about whether the program works, how it works, and if it works well enough to justify its cost. The Head Start program works! Why? Because it is rooted in the strength of families and has the unique capacity to do different things for different children and families.
How would you respond to the question?
The Head Start program works because parents and guardians are recognized as the experts about their own children. They have a seat at every table, and they help govern the programs their children attend. It works because the staff knows children need adults who keep them safe, ensure they have good nutrition, health, and dental care, and support their social and emotional development and well-being. Children’s interests, curiosity, and joy are recognized as they experience individualized teaching and learning. The program offers parents opportunities to set goals and supports to meet them. Parents have access to assistance acquiring a GED diploma or a college degree, finding a job, or locating secure housing.
Once after I spoke at a conference in Region IV, a woman approached and introduced herself as a Head Start director. She said she started with the program as a parent. She had gotten a position first as a teacher assistant and then worked her way up to director, obtaining a master’s degree along the way. I asked about her Head Start child, and she said, “Oh my daughter who went to the Head Start program is doing great. She is getting a master’s in educational administration and wants to be a principal. My older daughter though, did not get a Head Start experience and she is struggling.” She thought for a moment and then said, “The difference was my younger daughter was so loved at the Head Start program. She knew she was somebody.” This story stuck with me. So when I have a chance to talk about the program, this is what I say —
The Head Start program means:
- Children and families come first.
- All people are included and respected.
- Children’s basic needs are met, and their ideas and interests are important.
- School readiness includes academic skills and social and emotional competence for children, advocacy skills for parents, and kindergarten partnerships.
- Families can get help with their goals and with basic needs and are valued partners.
The Head Start community is facing one of our toughest times, and that means children and families need us more than ever. Let us hold closely to the approaches that make the program work! Onward, Head Start community, onward.
Amanda Bryans is the education and research to practice supervisor at the Office of Head Start.