Using the PLACE model of community assessment, here is some of the data we have collected from the Head Start staff, community websites, and through observation. We are hopeful that we will be able to better serve this group of children as a result of collecting this data.
POLITICS
The program is governed by the local School Board and the Parent Policy Council, and is operated by the local independent school district (Source: local ISD website).
Families find out about the program through the news, flyers in the schools, and word of mouth.
Head Start requires that at least 10% of the children have special needs.
Teachers visit the homes of children twice a year, and parent-teacher meetings also take place in the school.
Many of the families participate in federal programs – Medicaid, WIC, and CHiP.
There is a waiting list for Head Start services.
Sequestration has caused budget cuts which have resulted in fewer funds for the classroom teachers’ supplies, as well as staffing reductions.
LOCALE
The population of the city which the program resides in is 117,100. This particular facility is located in the northern part of the city, in an older part of town.
The small city itself is home to many churches, educational institutions, entertainment venues, medical facilities, industrial operations, and charitable organizations. The local community is very giving to the needy populations, both native and immigrant. Community resources are available within a few short blocks of the served population.
There are 26 public parks in the city as well as multiple recreation centers available to families. At least half a dozen parks and centers surround the service area for the children who attend Head Start in the northern part of town.
A full-service Medical Center accessible to indigent populations is conveniently located north of the city center.
The majority of students in Head Start are bussed. The children are transported from five different elementary schools all within the same independent school district.
The class is composed of 20 four-year olds, one teacher, and one aide. Currently there is also a student teacher helping out in the class. These four-year olds will advance to kindergarten. There are no five-year old Head Start classes. If students need more time to adjust to school, they would have to go to private preschool or attend public kindergarten and if needed, repeat kindergarten.
The facility has outdoor and indoor areas for activities, serving meals, meeting space and administrative offices.
Families who require after program care have available extended care on site, as well as day nursery service. Early Head Start is also available at an adjoining campus for three-year old children.
ANCESTRY
Most of the families who participate have multiple Head Start alumni in the home.
Some of the children’s parents attended Head Start as youngsters.
Single-parent households prevail, as well as multi-generational homes.
CULTURE
The class has 10 Hispanic children, 7 Caucasian children, and 3 African-American children. Some years have seen a very transient population, but this year so far, no children have left this particular class.
On campus, there is also available a bilingual program for the Hispanic students. If enrolled in the bilingual program, these children would continue in bilingual studies until they reach third grade in the school district.
Dietary choices are emphasized in the program, to encourage the children and their families to make healthy food selections. Head Start has its focus on educating the entire family, not just the children.
ECONOMICS
The federal government provides funding exceeding $2,400,000 per year for the program, while the local ISD provides many services in-kind, including the buildings and maintenance. Federal law mandates that 20% of the program’s funding must be received through in-kind donations from the school district and community (Source: local ISD website).
To qualify for the program, children must meet one of the following eligibility criteria: family income at or below the federal poverty level income guidelines, be homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, be a foster child, receive SSI or TANF, or must have a professionally diagnosed disability (Source: local ISD website).
Current funding provides places for 400 children per year, as well as an additional 51 in the Early Head Start program (Source: local ISD website).
The service area includes a large area of very old homes in various conditions; some needing repair.
The students eat a free breakfast at their neighborhood schools and transportation to the Head Start facility is available from neighborhood schools. Quite a few children are also brought by car or walk with their parents from their homes nearby.
Lunch is provided to the students at no cost to the families.
The prevalent family group is led by single parents. About half of the single parents also work.
The Head Start faculty and staff refer families to charities for clothing and food pantry items.
Head Start, a special place for special kids 