National Head Start Association

Head Start Excellence in the Spotlight! Check out WDAM-TV in Mississippi's report on Pearl River Valley Opportunity Head Start! PRVO and 11 other #HeadStart programs across the country were recently recognized as NHSA Programs of Excellence for their outstanding commitment to early childhood education, family empowerment, and community impact. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EarlyHeadStart #MississippiHeadStartAssociation #PearlRiverValleyOpportunity #RegionIVHeadStart #MississippiHeadStartAssociation

?? It's National Education Week, and today we proudly celebrate National Education Support Professionals Day! ?? Let's recognize the incredible contributions of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support student success—from paraprofessionals to custodians, food service workers, and beyond. Your?dedication makes a difference every day! ?? Join in on the celebration and shoutout an amazing education support professional in your life below! ?? #EducationSupportProfessionalsDay #ThankYou #NationalEducationWeek

Today, over half of Americans live in a childcare desert, defined as an area where child care is out of reach due to proximity or cost. And, two-thirds of children under age 6 have all parents in the workforce (both partnered and solo parents). This means millions of families are struggling to find the early learning and care opportunities their children need to thrive. Head Start is working hard to fill this gap by providing high-quality early education in rural areas, underserved communities, and beyond. But we need more support to ensure every child has access to the care and education they deserve. Together, we can change this. Share this post to raise awareness and advocate for increased investment in early childhood education by signing this eLetter urging Congress to invest in #HeadStart. https://bit.ly/48jBKR4 PhotoCredit: Community Action Agency #ChildcareDeserts #EarlyEducationMatters

Ty Martinez began his education journey at RUCD Head Start in Moab, Utah and is on track to become a first-generation college graduate in 2025. As a college student, he has interned for several nonprofits dedicated to children and families, including Voices for Utah Children and the National Head Start Association. Ty was recently awarded the prestigious Hinckley Institute of Politics Director's Prize scholarship for civic engagement. Reflecting on his roots, Ty says, “"The monumental progress that children and families make thanks to Head Start is life-changing.” That is a #HeadStartAdvantage. #HeadStartAwareness #RUCDHeadStart #UtahHeadStar #RegionVIIIHeadStartAssociation

Sonya Hill began her education journey in Orange County Head Start in Orlando, Florida, successfully becoming a first-generation college graduate and earning a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Today, after 30 years of meaningful service that has transformed the lives of thousands of children and families, Sonya leads the very same Head Start program where it all started — now the largest comprehensive early childhood program in Orange County. “I can personally attest to Head Start’s transformative power. Investing in our children and communities truly pays off,” she shares. This is a #HeadStartAdvantage! #HeadStartAwareness @fhsa Orange County Government #RegionIVHeadStart #FloridaHeadStartAssociation #HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #EarlyChildhoodEducation

October is #HeadStartAwareness Month! #HeadStart programs are essential in giving children a strong start in life. By empowering families and communities, they ensure that our youngest learners have the tools they need to thrive. That’s a #HeadStartAdvantage. #EarlyHeadStart #HeadStartWorks

Susana Hines attended #HeadStart in Vancouver, Washington and is a first-generation college graduate. Having earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and her Master's degree from the University of Michigan, she has dedicated her career to expanding educational access and promoting economic opportunities for underserved communities. She now serves as the Kids on Campus Partnership Director at The National Head Start Association. “Head Start is a strategic investment that empowers children to reach their full potential, fostering a lifelong love of learning and driving social and economic equity," she says. October is #HeadStartAwareness Month! #HeadStartSuccess #EarlyLearning #OpportunityForAll #WSAHeadStartandECEAP #earlyheadstart

Did you know #HeadStart children are more likely to have the skills needed for success in elementary school and have strong health outcomes? That's a #HeadStartAdvantage! October is #HeadStartAwareness Month! #EarlyHeadStart #HeadStartWorks

Sam Poon and his older brother attended Head Start in Boston, Massachusetts and are now first-generation college graduates. Reflecting on his educational journey, Sam considers Head Start transformative: "Head Start is a game changer for families across the United States, especially immigrant families where English is not the primary language spoken at home." #HeadStart provides a strong early childhood education, as well as resources and support for children and families like Sam's, so they can build brighter futures. October is #HeadStartAwareness Month! #EarlyLearning #duallanguagelearning #earlytheadstart Massachusetts Head Start Association #NewEnglandHeadStartAssociation