I always enjoy listening to the heartfelt and meaningful strories of Head Start alum and Head Start families. The stories enable me to believe in the strength, stamina and philosophy of Head Start.
It is critical for policy makers and local government to hear the voices of Head Start parents and children. These voices instill to politicians that Head Start is beneficial and can be effective in empowering families to achieve self-sufficiency, as well as, ensuring that impoverished children are ready for school.
Parent, Family and Community Engagement is a critical element in ensuring the success of Head Start. Head Start philosophy is built on the premise of parents being the child's first and foremost important teacher. As we engage parents, family and community in early education programming, parents and families are learning and discovering and gaining access to community resources, developing and enhancing new skills and implementing best practices related to positive-child interactions. Engaging the community creates a win-win situation. Community engagement enables social agencies and organizations to provide needed services to targeted populations and groups in an efficient, productive and streamlined process. While on the other hand, Head Start programs can increase, as well as, expand service delivery and options through partnership with community organizations, corporations and agencies.
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