Celebrating Latino and Hispanic Heritage at MCDC
Montclair Child Development Center’s growing Hispanic service population informs their commitment to cultural competency.
Parent with Autism Becomes Advocate
I didn’t always know that I was autistic, but I have always had great anxiety and difficulty forming and keeping relationships. I used to worry that I would be a terrible mother, or that someone would take my children away because of my mental illness. So before my first child was even born, I made…
Alumni Spotlight: Carlos Martinez
Carlos Martinez, Baytown Head Start’s new health services coordinator, didn’t know he had been a Head Start student when he applied for the job.
Brushing Up on Oral Health
Oral health is a key aspect of a child’s school readiness. Head Start promoting oral health habits in early childhood.
Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer DeMars-Ellison
Jennifer DeMars-Ellison says: “We are extremely proud to be a Head Start family.”
Alumni Spotlight: Tashia Lemon-Guillory
Tashia says: “I attended Head Start, came to work with Head Start, and I remain with Head Start because Head Start changes lives.”
Macy Jones, Bold and Decisive Leader in Times of Crisis
Head Start Director Macy Jone’s community was hit hard by COVID-19. She hired a full-time licensed clinician to provide support.
Preparation and Collaboration Serve Families in Crisis
Deputy Director of Duval Head Start/Early Head Start in Florida Maria McNair went a long way to help families adjust to virtual programming.
Alumni Spotlight: Josalyn Brown Robinson
Head Start alumna Josalyn Brown Robinson says: “Head Start gives a foundation with lifelong effects on children. We see the benefits every day.”
Facing Collective Trauma, Prioritizing Protective Factors
As the pandemic hit, Anat Weisenfreund focused on supporting and empowering staff and families as they were engulfed in collective trauma.
Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Parker
Thomas Parker says: “My early experiences in my community, including Head Start, shaped and prepared me to be a force for systemic change.”
Turning Necessity into Opportunity
Laure Hopper turned necessity into opportunity by creating new nature-based play spaces and maintaining family and staff connection.