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October is not just the start of fall, but it's also Head Start Awareness Month! This month-long celebration aims to recognize and raise awareness for the Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and support services to low-income families. The program was first established in 1965 as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty initiative, and has since helped millions of children across the country receive a quality education and prepare for success in school and beyond. So let's take some time this October to appreciate the impact that Head Start has had on communities and celebrate its continued efforts towards promoting equal opportunities for all children.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Head Start's Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>Head Start was established as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" initiative, providing early childhood education and support services to low-income families.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Head Start</div><div class='timeline-text'>Head Start expands programming to include health, nutrition, parental involvement, and other comprehensive services beyond education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Head Start Receives Full Day Funding</div><div class='timeline-text'>For the first time, funds are allocated to allow Head Start programs to operate full-day and full-year services.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of Early Head Start</div><div class='timeline-text'>Early Head Start is established to serve pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, enhancing developmental services for younger children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Head Start Act Reauthorized</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Head Start Act is reauthorized, increasing access to services, enhancing quality standards, and improving coordination with state early childhood programs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Head Start Performance Standards Revised</div><div class='timeline-text'>Head Start revises its Performance Standards, the first comprehensive revision since their original release in 1975, to reflect new research and best practices in early childhood development and learning.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Head Start themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends, family, and community members to celebrate Head Start Awareness Month with a fun and festive party. Decorate with Head Start colors and serve snacks and treats that represent the program.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local Head Start program</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for Head Start by volunteering your time at a local program. You can read to children, help with activities, or assist staff with daily tasks. Your involvement will make a positive impact on the children and families in the program.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate others about Head Start</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness and understanding about the importance of Head Start by sharing information with others. You can write a blog post, host a workshop, or simply have conversations with friends and family about the program.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser for Head Start</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Raise funds for your local Head Start program by organizing a fundraiser. You can hold a bake sale, auction, or other event to gather donations and support. This will not only celebrate Head Start but also benefit the program and the children it serves.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Advocate for Head Start in your community</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your voice to advocate for Head Start in your community. This can include writing to local government officials, speaking at events, or joining advocacy groups that support the program. Your efforts can help ensure that Head Start continues to have a positive impact on young children and families.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings attention to the importance of early education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Head Start Awareness Month highlights the crucial role that early education plays in a child's development. This month-long observance helps educate families, communities, and policymakers about the impact of high-quality early childhood programs on young children's success in school and in life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for low-income families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many Head Start programs specifically serve low-income families and provide access to resources and support that these families may not otherwise have. By bringing attention to Head Start during this month, we can advocate for more funding and opportunities for these families so that all children have equal access to quality early education.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates a successful program with proven results</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Since its inception over 50 years ago, Head Start has helped over 37 million children prepare for school through comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services. By recognizing this program during Head Start Awareness Month, we can celebrate its success and encourage support for its continued achievements.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Interdisciplinary Approach is Key in Head Start</h3><p class='facts-content'>Head Start programs extend beyond providing just early education. It applies a holistic approach to address the comprehensive needs of not just children, but their families as well, including healthcare, nutrition, and services aiding social development.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Local Community Involvement is a Key Component</h3><p class='facts-content'>The success of Head Start programs is heavily attributed to the active involvement of local communities who deliver the content that aligns with their cultural outlook and environment, creating a tailored experience for families.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Head Start Programs Operate Nationally and Internationally</h3><p class='facts-content'>Head Start programs are not limited to the United States but are also operational on a global scale, enhancing child development and facilitating quality early learning in numerous countries worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Addressing Special Needs is Integral in Head Start</h3><p class='facts-content'>Head Start does not leave behind children with disabilities. The program dedicates at least 10% of its total enrollment to kids with special needs, guaranteeing inclusivity in the benefits of early child development.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Head Start's Success Backed by Statistic</h3><p class='facts-content'>Results of an extensive study called the Family and Child Experiences Survey reveals that Head Start has a significantly positive impact on children and families, improving language, literacy, and math skills while raising the quality of home environment.</p></div></div>
Head Start Awareness Month is celebrated on October 1st every year. In 2024, the first day of the month falls on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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