Head Start

Executive Summary

The Head Start program is a national organization that provides comprehensive services to children and their families. The program main objective is based upon the model of the “whole child” meaning providing for the child wellbeing in every aspect. The program provides comprehensive services that include preschool education; medical; dental; and mental health care; nutrition services; and efforts to help parents foster their child’s development. The Head Start program services children and families of various ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. The study addresses the research questions:

• Does the Head Start properly prepare the children through the outcomes of development and learning?

• How does parent participation effect child development and learning?

This report will answer the questions by discussing the impact of the Head Start program on children and their families during their pre-school and elementary years (Pre-K -1st grade). The Head Start study is based off of data collected from children who were followed from fall of 2007 to 2011. This study is also base on the Head Start impact study that is designed to address the overall impact of the program. Within the data the Head Start children who were observe was placed into groups such as Head Start group and Control group. The data that will be reviewed is comparable data that was collected through interviews with parents, center directors and other care providers, and surveys of Head Start teachers and non Head Start teachers. The data also review direct child assessment, direct observations of the quality of various care setting, and care provider assessments of children. The study addresses children and their families in Head Starts all over the country.

History of the program

The Head Start program was created during the Lyndon Johnson Presidency, which was the part of his ‘War on Poverty and Great Society.” The Head Start program has been around...