A Salute to the National Head Start Association

The National Head Start Association celebrates Head Start Awareness Month this October. Twenty-nine years ago, on October 22, 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the greatness of this program:



"Since its establishment in 1965, the National Head Start Program has helped over ...[twenty-five]... million low-income pre-school children and their families. In so doing, it has earned recognition and support for its success in early childhood education and development.
Equally important, the health and nutrition aspects of the program have improved the prevention, detection, and treatment of children's medical, dental, and nutritional problems, thereby removing barriers to growth and learning.
Perhaps the most significant factor in the success of Head Start has been the involvement of parents, volunteers, and the community. Their commitment and the services provided by dedicated Head Start staff have been instrumental in creating a quality program that truly provides young children with a "head start" in life."

This still holds true today. Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide a wide range of comprehensive education, health, nutrition, parent involvement, and family support services to primarily at-risk children and their families. During 2009-2010 program year, over one million children and pregnant women were served. Parents are encouraged to play a vital role in their children's learning and are assisted in making progress toward their own educational, literacy, and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs. Over 1.3 million volunteers assist Head Start and Early Head Start programs last program year. Of those, over 800,000 are parents, continuing the comprehensive service approach to families.

This week also marks the Head Start second annual “Take It Outside” program. It was developed by the Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS). Take it Outside Week, October 16 – 22nd, 2011, encourages educators, families, and caregivers to make time outdoors an important part of young children's daily lives.

Head Start continues to forge a solid path for young children in our country. The hope is for this to remain strong for many more years to come.