Head Start and the Fatherhood Initiative

Head Start Bureau Plans

     Parent involvement has always been an essential part of Head Start, and fathers are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program. In addition, the Head Start Bureau funded six male involvement demonstration projects between 1991 and 1994, and several Regional Offices continue to support specific male involvement efforts.

The Bureau has published a number of parent involvement resources, including the Head Start Handbook of the Parent Involvement Vision and Strategies, which outlines how mothers and fathers can play critical roles in their children's education. Other innovative steps have been taken to collaborate with related federal programs, fraternities, and other state and local groups to encourage fathers to volunteer and to play an active role in children's lives. The Head Start Bureau is also exploring ways to support local Head Start fatherhood efforts. A workgroup is collecting information on current fatherhood activities across the country. Best practices will be identified, along with additional resources that might be helpful to local programs. These resources will be developed and disseminated as part of an overall strategy to enhance father/male involvement in Head Start.