1. Head Start:
What you need to
know
Erica Vander Velde
PSY 605 – Developmental Psychology
Dr. M. Wright
December 4, 2017
2. Head Start
Office of the Administration for Children and Families
US Dept. of Health & Human Services
Target Population – infants and young children through age 5
(eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov)
Geographic location for program:
60443 zip code= 1,327 single-parent homes in 2015 (city-data.com)
11.3% in 60443 are below poverty line in 2015 (factfinder.census.gov)
3. Purpose of the Program
“Head Start is the national commitment to give
every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, an
opportunity to succeed in school and in life”
(nhsa.org/why-head-start/why-it-matters)
Support underserved population
Correct population needs the services
Document that everyone must sign ensuring the
program remains effective
4. Research Says…
Children without a nurturing environment are at risk for psychosocial
problems as adults (Kvalevaag, 2015)
Program nurtures child in early learning, health, and family well-being
Vygotsky – developments is impacted by culture
Underserved population needs support
Allowing children to grow into themselves positively
Students will “progress in social skills and emotional well-being”
(Act.hhs.gov/ohs/about/head-start/)
5. Is it necessary?
Yes!
Parents want the best for children
Provides resources for all people in the family
Starting early solidifies good habits
6. Ten Principles of
Head Start
1. Every child is rooted in culture.
2. The cultural groups represented in the communities and
families of each Head Start program are the primary
sources for culturally relevant programming.
3. Culturally relevant and diverse programming requires
learning accurate information about the cultures of
different groups and discarding stereotypes.
4. Addressing cultural relevance in making curriculum
choices and adaptations is a necessary, developmentally
appropriate practice.
5. Every individual has the right to maintain his or her own
identity while acquiring the skills required to function in
our diverse society.
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/browse/keyword/developmentally-appropriate-practice?page=1
7. Ten Principles of
Head Start
(con’t)
6. Effective programs for children who speak languages other
than English require continued development of the first
language while the acquisition of English is facilitated.
7. Culturally relevant programming requires staff who both
reflect and are responsive to the community and families
served.
8. Multicultural programming for children enables children to
develop an awareness of, respect for, and appreciation of
individual and cultural differences.
9. Culturally relevant and diverse programming examines and
challenges institutional and personal biases.
10.Culturally relevant and diverse programming and practices
are incorporated in all systems and services and are
beneficial to all adults and children.
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/browse/keyword/developmentally-appropriate-practice?page=1
8. Expected Outcomes (just a few)
Child manages emotions with increasing independence
Child persists in tasks
Child demonstrates flexibility in thinking and behavior
Child demonstrates initiative and independence
Child develops expectations of consistent, positive interactions through secure
relationships with familiar adults
Child shows interest in, interacts with, and develops personal relationships with
other children
Child develops a sense of belonging through relationships with others
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/elof-ohs-framework.pdf
Assessment of these?
1. You!
2. Teachers
3. Community
9. Theories and Research
Children learn skills which “open up a world of opportunities that enable
infants to engage in their environments in new ways” (Lerner, Easterbrooks,
Mistry, & Weiner, 2013, p. 143).
Support is needed!
2015-2016 = 946,501 children were serviced and funded 100%
Largest age is 4 years old
52,708 homeless
28,584 foster children
Program is
working!
10. What needs to be changed?
Keep going!
Into middle school
