Head Start Remembers Dr. T. Berry Brazelton

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association’s Executive Director Yasmina Vinci commented on the legacy created by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton in advancing the field of early childhood development. Dr. Brazelton passed away on Tuesday at the age of 99.

“Dr. Brazelton will be remembered as both a revolutionary expert on early childhood development and as a compassionate adviser for new parents navigating child-rearing challenges,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “He bucked the rigid conventional wisdom of the day and taught generations of new parents to trust their instincts and respond to their children as unique individuals.

“Dr. Brazelton’s work in advancing knowledge in the field of early childhood development lives on at the Boston Children’s Hospital Brazleton Touchpoints Center, whose researchers have authored groundbreaking evidence-based studies on the effectiveness of Head Start for young children and their families. Dr. Brazelton’s passing is an enormous loss, but his legacy will live on in the children, parents, and educators who were shaped and inspired by his work.”

Among the research conducted by the Brazelton Touchpoints Center on early childhood development is a recent study offering promising evidence that participation in Early Head Start can prevent child maltreatment, particularly physical, and sexual abuse. This study was the first examination of the impact of Early Head Start on child maltreatment.

The Brazelton Touchpoints Center has delivered professional development, early child care and education training, and technical assistance to more than 160 Head Start/Early Head Start centers or programs, including home-based programs, in 40 states and 15 tribal sovereign nations.

About NHSA

The National Head Start Association is committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in school and in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 840,000 children and families from systemically underserved populations, 250,000 staff, and 1,600 Head Start grant recipients. ••• Media Contact: Emily Wagner, Director of Communications, media@nhsa.org

In Recent News

Early Childhood Innovation Summit 2023

The summit will serve as an incubator of innovation with a master class in innovation to jumpstart fresh thinking about solutions to significant challenges impacting the field of early childhood education.

Read More

Debt Limit Legislation Would Cause Irreparable Damage to Head Start

NHSA responds to House GOP legislation designed to reduce spending: it would cause irreparable damage to Head Start now and into the future.

Read More

NHSA Applauds White House Executive Order; Looks to Congress to Move Country Forward

NHSA applauds President Biden for signing an executive order to improve access to high-quality early learning while increasing pay for those who provide it.

Read More