Sydney Shadle

5/5/20
Standard 6
Head Start

The issue on the NAEYC website I decided to discuss is Head Start. Head Start promotes

school readiness of young children birth to five. Head Start provides a comprehensive approach

that focuses on education, health, parent involvement, and social services ("Head Start |

NAEYC", 2020).

I believe Head Start is an excellent program for children to attend before going to school. Head

Start prepares young children for school by creating routines and engaging in the curriculum.

Head Start also helps families with low income attend the program at little to no cost. Children

who attend Head Start are more likely to be school ready because of their routine. Head Starts

receive grants every five years, but if they do not qualify, they will be forced to give up their

grant to a competitor in their area. Educators of Head Start programs must acquire a Bachelor's

degree to teach the curriculum, which is excellent. It is said that if a child attends Head Start,

they are more interested in learning for the rest of their schooling careers.

The main issue with Head Start is that it is an extremely underfunded program. People are also

skeptical of the outcomes of Head Start and don't understand how much it benefits children and

their families. NAEYC gives numerous ways on how to support head Start, and I will use my

knowledge and do something to support Head Start programs. Some of the options include: using

your knowledge and telling stories about Head Start, sign up for NAEYC's America for Early Ed

program, partner with Head Starts in your community, and call Federal and State elected officials

and tell them you support an increased investment of Head Start.

In conclusion, I think Head Start should be better funded and supported. Head Start teaches

children how to go to school before they even begin. Head Start enhances learning and success in
Sydney Shadle
5/5/20
Standard 6
Head Start
young children everywhere. I believe all children should attend Head Start to get a grasp on

routines, manners, and learning strategies.

References
Sydney Shadle
5/5/20
Standard 6
Head Start
Head Start | NAEYC. (2020). Retrieved 5 May 2020, from

https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/public-policy-advocacy/head-start