Hi Everyone!
This week, I went back and observed the Head Start Association website. This week I explored the Knowledge Center link. Inside the Knowledge Center link, I clicked, on the Top issues link. I explored the Top issues link, and found a familiar topic, school readiness. Head Start is focusing on school readiness, different funding approaches,different Head Start Regulations and re-authorization methods (National Head Start Association,2014).
I explored the Head Start Act link, which was about School Readiness. President Bush signed the Head Start Act on December 12, 2007, titled Pubic Law 110-134" improving Head Start for school Readiness Act of 2007 (National Head Start Association, 2014). The Public Law 110-134" was an act the reauthorize the Head Start program (National Head Start Association, 2014). The link had the original draft of the amended Head Start.
The research I did on the link, really helped me make the connection of School Readiness that I had done in week 5 discussion post. School Readiness is a big deal, and quality programs are trying to ensure that children are prepared for school. As School Readiness becomes part of the big plan, I am expecting to see change at the State levels. As of right now Texas has a curriculum that is dedicated to School Readiness, and children who are in poverty or at low-economic status level, can currently attend a child care program who is using the curriculum. I expect to see a larger push as time progress, and I am interested to see how Head Start will incorporate this trend.
When I gave a training in Seattle, I had the chance to train some Head Start teachers, and I asked them what is currently the big focus of Head Start. Many of the teachers shared with me that, Head Start site Directors are making a giant push for Expanding Children's Learning. For example, when a child says something, the teacher is supposed to be expanding what the child says. The teachers link this to school readiness. So school readiness is already a part of the Head Start process.
Have a great week everyone!
Reference:
National Head Start Association (2014). "Poverty's Effect on Child Development."Research Blast (n.d.): n. pag. National Head Start Association,
Cierra,
ReplyDeleteI agree I think in the next few years more and more changes are going to come in terms of what school readiness means. I think we will see a lot of programs change their policy in some areas to accommodate more for school readiness.
Hello Cierra,
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you and Debi. I believe that we will see a bigger push for school readiness in the future. I hope that the programs will include active parental involvement and training that provide parents with the tools they need to assist their children. Thank you for sharing!