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Essay on The Head Start program
Head Start, U.S. educational program for disadvantaged preschool children, established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964-5. Aimed initially only at poor children, its purpose was to organize programs that would prepare preschool children for elementary school. Money was appropriated through the Office of Economic Opportunity, which made individual grants to cities and other localities to set up Head Start centers. In 1969 the program was transferred to the Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare (now Health and Human Services). It was later extended to children above the poverty level, whose parents, however, had to pay according to their income.(Web,1)
The Head Start program began in the United States in 1965 and this early childhood intervention program is still widespread in that country today.
It had its roots in the 1960s, a decade in which the United States launched a "war on poverty" by initiating a wide variety of early intervention programs for children from low-income families. Such initiatives were based on two assumptions:
1. Learning problems were best treated early, before formal schooling.
2. Early enrichment would have a lasting positive impact on children's elementary and secondary school years.
A typical Head Start program provides children with a year or two of preschool education before they enter school, along with nutritional and medical services. In addition, parent involvement is a central part of the Head Start philosophy. Parents sit on policy councils and contribute to planning the preschool program. They also work directly with children in classrooms, attend special programs on parenting and child development, and receive services directed to their own social, emotional, and vocational needs.
What is Head Start?
Head Start is a Federal program for preschool children from low-income families. The Head Start program is operated by local non-profit organizations in almost every county in the country. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities............
