My Head Start Story: Kari

At Head Start my older daughter picked up her letters quickly, but seemed to have trouble putting them all together in order to start reading. When she came home one day saying, “Mama, I’m not very good at reading,” I went to her teacher immediately for support. Within weeks, I saw my daughter’s confidence soar, with progress and results that have launched her to become an award-winning reader now that she is in Kindergarten. It’s been amazing to witness the Head Start advantage in action!

I like the emphasis on social skills in Head Start, getting the kids playing together, doing activities together in circle time for reading and writing skills, recognizing everybody’s name. They eat family style in the classroom. The teachers make sure that the kids know what they’re eating, and how to share. I see a lot of things in Head Start that are consistent with our family values and also the values that we have about public education and quality education being available to everyone. There’s a big emphasis on social, emotional learning. And trying to balance that with readiness for academic skills. I see the kids being holistically cared for in a lot of ways that I really appreciate.

Head Start is really about the whole family. Parents will have access to continuing education and resources that will strengthen family bonds and empower family members to meet the unique challenges they face. For my family that has meant a path back from the brink of homelessness, as I have pursued the Family Development Credential through the Head Start Apprenticeship Program and found community through connecting with other parents.