Head Start
According to the principles of ethical conduct, early childhood educators should make all efforts to reveal the potential of every child concerning his worth, dignity, and uniqueness. In addition, they should respect families’ diversity, unique features, and living conditions supporting them from the position of society, community, and culture. Head Start is the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program that incorporates these core values establishing an environment for the development of children’s cognitive skills, enhancing their emotional and physical well-being, and fostering stable family relationships.
History
The Head Start program is a unique ECE approach for the support of children from 3 to 5 years old from low-income families and communities. It was launched by Bernice H. Fleiss and Jule Sugarman in 1965 “as part of a sweeping effort to combat poverty in America” (NAEYC, n.d., para. 4). Initially, it was a summer program for several weeks that aimed to provide low-income children with the basic knowledge required for elementary school. The program was expanded in 1981 and reviewed in 2007 to reflect the focus on multiple aspects of a child’s early development (NAEYC, n.d.). In the present day, the program is overseen by the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – it awards grants to public and private non-profit agencies, tribal communities, and migrant worker camps in every state for the program’s implementation (NAEYC, n.d.). Although Head Start has well-established standards, it is flexible enough to be adapted to communities’ specific needs.
Principles
Head Start program implies a comprehensive approach to children’s development and focuses on four main components, including education, health, parent involvement, and social services. About education, Head Start educators provide learning experiences for children’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth. In addition, the program presupposes preparation for elementary school and the assessment of school readiness. About health, the program ensures the availability of multiple healthcare services for children, including dental and nutritional ones, immunizations, and developmental screenings. At the same time, Head Start supports parents’ active involvement in the workshops and classes dedicated to child development and the planning of children’s activities. Finally, the program respects low-income families’ circumstances providing housing, job training, and other specific needs.
Philosophy
The philosophy of Head Start is based on the principle “whole child, whole family.” Its premise is simple – “every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, can reach their full potential” (NHSA, n.d., par. 1). Thus, the program aims to provide opportunities for every child who may be affected by serious socioeconomic disadvantages that may limit their harmonious growth and development. At the same time, all practices included in the program are based on the continuous research of child psychology to ensure the meeting of children’s needs and a deep understanding of the principles of their learning.
At the same time, Head Start pays particular attention to low-income families as well to improve their state and ensure that the developmental start given to children will be supported by relatives and community members as well. In 2014, President Barack Obama “called for more focused and dedicated work to ensure vulnerable children and families have access to high-quality care and education in their earliest years” (NHSA, n.d., par. 3). Thus, the program’s provision of early learning opportunities for children from low-income communities may be regarded as a contribution to a shared national commitment.
References
NAEYC. (n.d.). Head Start. NAEYC. Web.
NHSA. (n.d.). Whole child, the whole family. NHSA. Web.