The National Head Start Association website has a variety of resources for families as well as educators of children from low income, bilingual and immigrant families. The website supplements my course and truly helps me grow professionally. I am particularly interested on best practices early childhood educators can implement to support children who live in poverty. The research section has publications on some current issues such as the changing child demographic, parent involvement, poverty, and their impacts on healthy development. It also highlights the importance of dual generational support in improving the overall outcomes for children. The briefs are outstanding and show Head Start’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its diverse child population and their families. The association has another bi-weekly newsletter that keeps members informed about current issues in politics, advocacy ideas, and training among others. The organization seems to keep abreast of the news out of Washington and actively advocates keeping funding for the programs. I have not read an issue that I found controversial on the site. On the contrary, I have seen how Head Start practices are deeply rooted in research and therefore, supported by politicians as well as scientists, especially the need to provide comprehensive care for children and their families. The December issue of family connection from the NHSA reaffirmed the importance of play in healthy development. In addition, it gives parents in integrating simple household items such as saucepans measuring spoons, and cardboard boxes among other items to enhance children’s play. Everyday household items can be used to enhance play and help healthy brain development. Furthermore, the newsletter discusses the way play strengthens child-parent bond. One of the articles titled Play together grow together, describes the way parent can have fun with their children and in the process strengthen children’s social-emotional development. Head Start also closely works with the families to improve child safety. Safety is a recurring theme on the website and greatly discussed on the December Connections newsletter. Safety is closely related to poverty. Therefore, the writers provide parents with ideas to safely set up their physical environment to reduce accidental injuries.
For more information on the National Head Start Association go to www.nhsa.org
Nar,
ReplyDeleteI have frequented the National Head Start Association website and you are right, they have such great resources to support families, early childcare professionals and the general public who seek to gain insight in the development of children. I especially appreciate the comprehensive resources that takes into consideration individual learning and development; language, interest, and diverse and cultural backgrounds.
Thank you for sharing such a great website and useful information.
Susana
Hi Nar,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see you are still reviewing and researching the National Association of Head Start. I hope that you would get an opportunity to attend their annual conference. This year it will be held in Nashville, TN. And you are right, Head Start is focused on providing services to its diverse base of children and families. I hope that you will choose to become a member of NHSA, as well. Roikensha