Beginning yesterday, the New America Foundation’s Early Ed Watch is conducting a rich discussion of the Head Start program since the 2007 Head Start Reauthorization Act. Lisa Guernsey and Christine Satkowski will be the bloggers. These series of blogs will span a number of days with a variety of Head Start relevant topics. The first new posts have not disappointed the reader. Please go to www.newamerica.net

In the summer of 1965 and 1966, as a student earning my bachelor’s degree, I taught Head Start. Our focus was to provide a transition for 4 year olds who would begin kindergarten the next fall. As a teacher, I was guided to teach my children socialization skills, letter recognition, first name writing, hearing stories, and counting to ten. We took field trips, obtained health exams and dental check-ups. My fellow teachers had a very strong dedication to ensuring that the summer in Head Start was a true preparation for kindergarten. After the children left for the day, we prided ourselves in sharing our children’s name writing efforts. Those pieces of manila paper with crayon scribbles were masterpieces.

As I revisit the 2007 Head Start Act, many of the components regarding curriculum and school readiness was what we did in 1965. However, at the time phonological awareness was unknown. I am amazed that an act is needed to remind us of those very important skills and we learn that some deadlines have passed to ensure components of this act are met.

We are beginning another school year. Why do the poor and near poor children have to keep waiting for the adults to get it right? Yesterday, our President asked our children to work hard and stay in school. Adults, what are we doing in early childhood to make sure that they obtain the much needed foundation they deserve?

Head Start programs will be submitting their applications to the Department of Health and Human Services if they have an interest in expanding their programs in order to serve more children. I have talked to a number of Head Start programs across the nation and they are excited about this opportunity to work towards ending waiting lists. However, there is deep concern regarding what the future holds once stimulus funding has ended. In Texas, for example, a bill passed the Texas legislature at the end of May mandating that school districts and other early childhood programs like Head Start continue to offer a mixed delivery model for prekindergarten children. Teachers, materials, and classroom space can be shared in cost effective ways. This model has been found effective in a rigorous environment for the past four years. Head Start programs need to look at material choices carefully to ensure they have a strong alignment with school readiness. No one wants to purchase materials that will be obsolete in two years. If someone is trying to sell materials to you, ask for a detailed correlation to the Head Start Act 2007 and the National Early Literacy Panel.

Head Start ARRA StimulusHatch® Solution
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