(This article is in rebuttal to the article "Parents, Taxpayers Deserve to Know if Preschool, Head Start Programs Work" that appeared in "The Foundry", regarding the supposition that Head Start is not effective. When interpreting "research findings" we must always look at the information presented through a critical eye, not just present the facts that serve our platform.
If you are interested, you can find the original article here: http://blog.heritage.org/2010/01/06/parents-taxpayers-deserve-to-know-if-preschool-head-start-programs-work/comment-page-1/#comment-80278 You'll have to scroll up to get to the article on the top of the page.)
As a taxpayer, I think it’s prudent that we evaluate outcomes on any sort of programming supported by our tax dollars. Not only should outcome evaluations be well constructed, they should also be balanced and give information that paints a full picture, not just a segment of the picture.
As a child and family therapist, and independent Mental Health consultant to multiple Head Start and Early Head Start programs in the Midwest (Michigan and Wisconsin), I have a much different perspective on these programs, what they really do, and the overall impact they have on children and families.
Head Start is a far cry from “daycare”. I have been nothing short of impressed with the high quality administrators, teachers and staff that I have been privileged to know through the numerous Head Start programs to which I consult.
Head Start is a highly regulated program, with stringent guidelines, performance standards and outcome measures that must be demonstrated. Add to this the rigorous Federal Reviews that each Head Start must answer to and it is evident that this program has more than the center manager policing the goings-on in Head Start.
To get a glimpse at the lofty performance standards, read here.
The program is comprehensive. I have sat at meeting tables with some of the best and the brightest pediatricians, nutritionists, nurses, education specialists, financial specialists, dental health promoters and others, while planning upcoming trainings, strategies and approaches to improve the lives children and families.
Head Start is more than educational. It addresses numerous other dimensions that, together, promote and contribute to the optimal development of the child. It provides comprehensive education, health, mental health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.
I am intrigued by the Heritage report that was linked to from this article, which points out that it was proven that “Head Start children outperformed their peers in four out of the six cognitive constructs: pre-reading, pre-writing, vocabulary, and parent reports of students’ literacy skills” when initially tested. BRAVO. This tells us something good DID come from Head Start.
However, it goes on to say, “They report that the evaluation found that, overall, Head Start participants experienced zero lasting benefits compared to their non-Head Start peers by the end of first grade.” Now this is where it truly gets interesting.
What does this mean, really? Does it mean that Head Start has failed…or does it point to the more likely fact that our public schools are failing? Because that is what I glean from this information.
If Head Start children have a competitive edge at the beginning of their elementary school years, but lose this by the end of first grade, couldn’t that point to the fact that our public schools are doing nothing to keep the momentum going that was first set forth in Head Start? Could it be that the lack of attention to nutrition, health, mental health, dental care and most of all…family support…is gaping hole that develops after the public schools take off where Head Start left off?
And what would these kids look like had they not had the benefit of Head Start? How far behind their peers might they be?
I think those that would like to see Head Start dismantled don’t have a difficult time with funneling money towards early childhood education, per se. Rather, it may be that the problem lies in the fact that all of these funds are being channeled in the direction of disadvantaged, marginalized, and financially impoverished children and families.
This clearly is a much bigger issue than can be addressed in one post. I just hope I have done some small justice to a program which I see far supersedes ANYTHING I have seen in any other venue.
And…we haven’t even begun to address, nor try to measure the social-emotional benefits such as navigating peer relationships, resolving conflicts, self-esteem, belief in one’s self, or ability to manage difficult feelings and situations, which can be a MUCH stronger indicator of one’s success in life than how one performs on a math or reading test.
If any one program can meet these multiple needs of high-risk children and families, Head Start and similar such programs can.
If you really want the world to become a better, safer and “free” place, support the programs that support disadvantaged, marginalized, and financially impoverished children and families.
If you think these programs are just a handout, I highly recommend you attend a training on “Bridges Out of Poverty”. Until then, I will remain grateful and hopeful that those that make the decisions to fund the programs such as Head Start “get it”. They really, really “get it”.
To read more about whether or not Head Start works, see this.
Comments
The Head Start curriculum is amazing school for little ones, they are ready to learn! www.lynnekenney.com
Wendy - I have heard many folks say that Head Start is "glorified daycare." In fact, someone told me that 2 days ago. I said, "Perhaps it depends on the particular program, though? Who they hire, etc?" I think your response here is terrific. Really some great food for thought. The idea that the kids are doing well up until they LEAVE the program...and then fall behind...really is something that needs to be considered, eh? Thanks for your wisdom on this matter.
Great article on Head Start. As we have discussed on Twitter, there are so many success stories associated with this long running program. Thank you for taking the time to write about it. Very important.
I am the youngest of seven children and was raised by a single parent. Out of the seven of us, only the last two attended Head Start. (The other five did not attend any kind of preschool).
Did it work? Well, we are the only two who went on to get a college degree (a masters for me). I attribute much of this to Head Start and the fact that my mom took the two of us to the library every Saturday. (I believe she learned the importance of this from the Head Start teachers).
In conclusion, I am very thankful I had the opportunity to attend Head Start and I hope the program continues to be funded.
Lynne, Shara and Linda...thans for being an ever-present voice for children...for ALL children...but especially for those children who need a VOICE. I'm blessed to have met you via social networking.
Julie...I have chills from reading your response. Head Start is an amazing program, and it would be nice if the naysayers would spend one full day in a classroom, attend home visits with teachers, attend a parent meeting, attend a high quality Head Staff training, a Policy Council meeting, and administrative staff meeting...and study the longitudinal effects that this program has had on REAL people, such as yourself. Thank YOU for stepping forward and sharing your experience. Keep shining bright...I'm proud of you for your accomplishment. I would love to interview you further for a follow up post, if you are game. You may contact me at compcounseling at sbcglobal.net, if you interested.
As a former early childhood educator and mom of 4, I can tell you that head start is an AMAZING program. It is so much more then just a "glorified daycare".
It provides educational opportunites to children that may not other wise have none at that age. My son, who is now 7, is one of them.
Had it NOT been for Head Start, he would not have been able to attend an early childhood program. He has special needs and finding a center that would work with him and help him grow, was a task and a half. Head Start answered all of my questions, worked continually with us throughout his time there. They are one of the main reasons he is in a mainstream 2nd grade class now, and flourishing.
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