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.
Supporting Teams with a Strength-Based Foundation
Melissa McPheeters approaches obstacles with a strengths-based foundation and abundance mindset combined with a focus on socio-emotional safety and connection.
Drive-Through Distributions, Community Partnerships Help Mitigate Food Insecurity
Kristina Bedikian is a champion for children and families with an ability to forge community partnerships to mitigate food insecurity.
Culturally Responsive Leadership During COVID-19
Willing Chin-Ma employed a culturally responsive approach to supporting families with forward-looking leadership during COVID-19.
Jessica Moore Created Community despite Challenges of 2020
Early Childhood Services Director Jessica Moore’s inclusivity during COVID-19 created a network she hopes will be a model of collaboration going forward.
Therapy Dog helps Family and Staff cope with COVID
Deb Hendricks at Marion Community Schools Head Start took a creative approach to help families and staff cope with the pandemic: a therapy dog.
Alumni Spotlight: Greetings from NHSA’s Director of Alumni Engagement
Meet Malkia Payton-Jackson, Head Start alumna and the National Head Start Association first-ever director of Alumni Engagement.
Early Childhood Education Compensation Must Address Racial Pay Gaps
The ECE pay gap remains a formidable barrier to a strong early childhood workforce that can effectively partner with children and families.