Head Start is a key part of a thriving workforce for many at-risk communities across Baltimore.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore currently runs nine Head Start and Early Head Start programs across seven Baltimore communities. To the families and employers who live and work in those communities, it has been a lifeline.

Research shows that children who participate in Head Start have better language and cognitive skills, as well as improved social and emotional development compared to children who do not participate in the program. These early childhood education benefits have a ripple effect, positively impacting not just children, but their families and communities as well. When children are well-prepared for school, they are more likely to graduate and go on to post-secondary education or training, ultimately leading to a thriving workforce.

As Head Start continues to make strides in closing the achievement gap between low-income children and their more affluent peers, it levels the playing field of opportunity for everybody.

But the benefits of Head Start extend beyond the scholar. The Whole Child/Whole Family approach to Head Start means parents of Head Start Scholars become more self-sufficient and work-ready. This, in turn, helps to create stronger and more stable communities.

"We don’t have to worry… the school is here to help us," said Melissa Pelaez, who has enrolled her second child in an SVDP Head Start program. "Workshops help you, as a parent, to work along(side) your child in these development years."

More than just childcare so parents are free to work, Head Start provides quality education and enrichment for children ages 6 months to 5 years old, and case management support for their families. “Because barriers to child development don’t just occur inside a classroom, SVDP takes a holistic approach to improve economic and health outcomes for our Head Start families,” explained Terah Turrentine, Senior Family Services Supervisor at St. Vincent de Paul. “By addressing these needs when children are still very young, we are laying a foundation of stability that families can continue to build upon for years to come.”?

Whether you’re a parent interested in enrolling a child, an individual looking for a volunteer opportunity, or an educator who wants to make a lasting impact, please consider becoming part of the St. Vincent de Paul Head Start community. Parents can visit headstartbaltimore.org to learn more about enrollment opportunities for the 2023 school year or contact our volunteer coordinator at [email protected].