In reviewing the Parent and Families Stories I became enlightened to the exceptional benefits that Head Start programs provide to the children and families it serves. Of all the parent stories, there was a clear consensus attesting to the support, encouragement, empowerment received from staff and administrators of the Head Start program. Alneto Richards Keys and Melinda George spoke to the empowerment they received from the Head Start program to further their education and achieve higher educational degrees. Alneto received her Bachelor and Masters degree while working for her local Head Start program. Melinda also received her Bachelors and Masters degree while working for the Head Start program, and currently pursuing her Doctoral degree. Tess Dunlap and Stefany Robinson-Thorpe spoke to the support their received from Head Start staff, empowering them as parents and their children’s primary educators. The Head Start programs enlightened Tess to the reality that she can reinforce the programs curriculum at home with her child, essentially encouraging her that she has he ability to teach her child significant lessons to foster her growth and development. Stefany found Head Start to be a significant factor in her life as the program provided her the opportunity to reassess what she wanted to do while her child was in the care of nurturing staff.
The Parent and Families Stories provided me validation of the significance of quality early childhood staff as well as quality early childhood programs. I believe it is essential to have quality early childhood staff dedicated to supporting and empowering children and families as well as early childhood programs established to proved quality care and education for the children it serves. The Parent and Families Stories confirmed the exceptional need for these two aspects to foster healthy growth and development for children. Whether the program is Head Start or a private early childhood program, the programs mission and values should have its foundation in empowering and supporting the children and families it serves.
The Parent and Families Stories have value for early childhood professionals, the public, and policy makers. Early childhood professionals received validation for their work with children and families. The overwhelming appreciation voiced by the parents for the support received from early childhood professional validated the importance of quality early childhood professional. The public and policy makers received confirmation of Head Start’s mission and values at work. This confirmation provides the public confidence in the Head Start program in foster productive futures for the children it serves, while providing policy makers confirmation of the program’s demand for children and families of lower socioeconomic status.
Hi Tinisha,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Having quality early childhood programs and staff is important for supporting and empowering children and families. We need motivated individuals who are willing to go the extra mile, and connect with the families of the children they work with. Family and teacher collaboration is important for the success of a child's education, and this collaboration should start in the early years.
Hi Tinisha,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading both your blog and posts great job.I am a big fan of many components of Early/Head Start programs,for example they offer staff many educational opurtunities I was able to recieve my MAT certification which is very expensive.Now not all programs are created equal I want to know if the funds are really being used for the benefit of the families, this is one of my goals.
Hello Tinisha,
ReplyDeleteI really believe in the proverb " it takes a village to raise a child". From reading the stories of the different families I see how each family had a different experience that resulted in them having successful children. Thanks for sharing you views on this topic.
Hello Tinisha,
ReplyDeleteIt is important to know that Head Start provides quality program to children and their families. Being able to access resources of a child’s educational, physical, emotional and social needs is a great support that parents can get to meet their needs. It is also good to know how Head Start has supported individuals in their pursuits to better their lives.