Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

For this blog I will be dealing with the foundational  strength of Head Start by reviewing a video of testimonials from individuals whose lives have been greatly impacted by Head Start whether in the role of parent, teacher, or community member. I will begin by describing the professional and personal significance that I drew from these videos. The first video that I watch was the testimonial of Melinda G., she shared about how Head Start has played an critical role in helping her to become the early childhood professional that she is today. I listened to her share about entering the Head Start program as a young newlywed who was looking for a early childhood program for her four year old relative. She talked about how through the encouragement of a teacher at the Head Start she was convinced to return to school to further her education. She felt empowered by the teacher realizing that she has a real natural when it came to early childhood and because someone noticed her talent she was empowered to return to school and to become more active in the Head Start program through volunteering and then through employment. Her story is a great example of how taking the time to care can help someone catapult them into their destiny. I felt connected to this story, because my own story is very similar. My eldest son attended this private preschool that was created to offer quality early childhood programs to at-risk and low income children. It was during our time in the program that I was encouraged by the teachers to return to school to seek a degree. I took the advice and hence began my journey. I returned to school and was offered a position with that particular preschool as a team teacher. Although, I no longer work there I still stay closely connected to the preschool through volunteering and participating in school events.

As early childhood professionals, the public, policymakers and government officials listen to the stories of these individuals they should value the the hope that has come from each story. They should value the stories, because it shows that Head Start is not just a place for children to find help, but instead it gives hope and help to the entire family. It is done as teachers take the time to listen to families as they express their needs and their desires to improve the quality of life for their families. The public should value the stories that have been heard in that it shows that children and families that utilize services provided through Head Start are engaging positive programs and are learning skills that will help to be productive citizens. Policy makers and government officials should value the hearing the stories, because it shows that all the government funding that is being used by Head Start is not going to waste and that it is making positive impacts in lives of children and families.