Head Start

Definition

Head Start is a federally funded program in the United States aimed at promoting school readiness for young children from low-income families. The program focuses on providing educational, health, nutritional, and social services to children ages three to five, ensuring that they have a strong foundation for future learning and development. By addressing various aspects of a child's early life, Head Start plays a critical role in fighting poverty and inequality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Head Start was established in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty and Great Society initiatives.
2. The program serves over a million children each year, providing comprehensive services including early education, health screenings, and family support.
3. Research has shown that children who participate in Head Start tend to perform better academically compared to their peers from similar socioeconomic backgrounds who do not receive this support.
4. Head Start programs are designed to foster parental involvement, recognizing that family engagement is crucial for children's success.
5. The program has evolved over time to include options for home-based services and is now offered in urban and rural communities across the country.

Review Questions

• How does Head Start address the challenges faced by children from low-income families?
  • Head Start addresses challenges faced by low-income children by providing a comprehensive approach that includes educational, health, nutritional, and social services. This holistic strategy ensures that children are not only prepared academically but also receive support in areas such as health care and family engagement. By equipping these children with necessary resources and skills before they enter school, Head Start aims to bridge the gap created by socioeconomic disadvantages.
• In what ways did the establishment of Head Start reflect the goals of the Great Society programs?
  • The establishment of Head Start exemplified the goals of the Great Society programs by aiming to eliminate poverty and promote equality through access to quality education. By focusing on early childhood education for disadvantaged children, Head Start directly contributed to the broader objective of providing equal opportunities for all Americans. It reinforced the belief that investing in education at an early age is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and improving social mobility.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Head Start on educational outcomes for participants compared to those who did not attend the program.
  • The long-term impacts of Head Start have been evaluated through various studies showing that participants generally achieve better educational outcomes than their peers who did not attend. These outcomes include higher test scores, improved graduation rates, and increased likelihood of attending college. Additionally, the program's emphasis on family engagement has contributed to sustained academic success, demonstrating that early intervention can significantly alter the educational trajectory of low-income children.

Related terms

Great Society: A set of domestic programs launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice, which included initiatives like Head Start.

Early Childhood Education: A branch of education theory that relates to the teaching of young children, particularly those from birth to age eight, emphasizing the importance of early learning environments.

War on Poverty: A set of programs initiated by President Johnson in the 1960s to reduce poverty rates in the United States, which included the establishment of Head Start as part of its broader objectives.