Nurturing the Promise

Since 1965, Head Start has nurtured the promise of a better future for low-income children and their families. Through 1996, Head Start has served more than 15 million children and their families in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories.

Head Start has been a leader in providing services to children with disabilities, children of migrant workers, and Native American families.

Head Start's approach to services includes:

• a nurturing environment that supports the healthy growth and development of each child in the context of the child's family, culture, and community:
• parents as partners in the shared decision-making process and as active participants in policy groups; and
• recognition of the importance of strengthening linkages within communities.

Head Start Program Performance Standards
Since 1975, the Head Start Program Performance Standards have defined the services that local programs are required to provide to enrolled children and families. The Program Performance Standards translate the Head Start vision into quality practices implemented at the local level.

The 1993 Head Start Advisory Committee on Quality and Expansion recommended that the Program Performance Standards be revised to respond better to the changing needs of children, families, and communities.

After a process of extensive consultation, Head Start revised its Program Performance Standards and added new standards for services to pregnant women, infants and toddlers, and for providing family literacy and transition services, effective January 1, 1998.

        

How Are The Revised Head Start Program Performance Standards Different?
The following are a few highlights:

• The Program Performance Standards have been reorganized into three major areas: Early Childhood Development and Health Services, Family and Community Partnerships, and Program Design and Management.
• The Child Health and Developmental Services section requires linking each child with an ongoing source of medical care, a "medical home." The Family and Community Partnerships area focuses on building respectful relationships with families and strengthening linkages with other agencies in the community.
• The Program Design and Management section begins with Program Governance and contains new standards to improve management systems and accountability, the qualifications of staff and the support they receive, and the safety of the facilities and equipment.

Make A Difference!
You can make a difference! By joining the Head Start community or by renewing your commitment to Head Start, you can assist in building a program that consistently provides the highest quality services for children and families.

For more information on the Head Start Program Performance Standards or on training and technical assistance available to support implementation of the Program Performance Standards, contact your local Head Start program or the federal office listed below.

        

HEAD START REGIONAL OFFICES