May 18th, 2023 marks 58 years since Head Start was established in the United States as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. The program is a comprehensive early childhood education program designed to provide low-income children and their families with access to education, health, nutrition, and other services that promote school readiness.
The Head Start program serves children from birth to age five, as well as pregnant women. It provides a range of services, including early learning, health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support services. The goal of the program is to help children develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and in life. Children enrolled in the program receive instruction in reading, writing, math, science, and social-emotional skills. The curriculum is developmentally appropriate, meaning that it is tailored to the age and needs of each child.
Head Start acknowledges that the success of each student is driven by family engagement. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's education by volunteering in the classroom, attending parent-teacher conferences, and participating in parent workshops. The program also provides resources and support for parents, including parenting classes, job training, and access to social services.
In addition to education and family support services, Head Start provides health and nutrition services to children and families. Step Forward provides formula and diapers for each of its Early Head Start children and breakfast, lunch and a snack to its Head Start students. Each child receives regular health screenings and immunizations.
Research has shown that Head Start is an effective program for improving school readiness and promoting positive outcomes for children and families. Data shows children who participate in Head Start are more likely to perform better in school, graduate from high school, and pursue a post-secondary education.
By promoting school readiness and improving outcomes for children and families, Head Start helps to break the cycle of poverty and give children a strong foundation for success in life. To date, Head Start has transitioned more than 37 million children to kindergarten nationwide. Data shows Head Start services are delivered through more than 1,600 agencies nationwide, including Step Forward.
Step Forward directly operates nine Head Start sites throughout Cuyahoga County and serves more than 2,000 children ages birth to 5-years old. The agency offers a holistic approach to learning for children and their families. We combine classroom instruction, learning through play and field trips for a rich educational environment that engages children.
Give your child a Head Start and enroll today! Click here.
Step Forward Head Start is hiring!
The agency is offering a sign-on bonus of $1,000 for full time employees and $500 for part-time employees.
Positions include teachers, family service workers, nutrition aides and more. Step Forward Head Start is looking for education staff passionate about preparing young students for the future and helping them develop a love for learning early. Take a step toward a new fulfilling career today! Learn more and apply to open positions here.
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