1 The Changing World and the New Language of Head Start

Not your mother’s Head Start any more More knowledge about brain development New knowledge about how learning takes place and how early, but also More families in poverty and at risk More expectations of Head Start More critics of Head Start 2

We in Head Start know that… Head Start works Head Start changes lives for children and families Smart countries from the UK to Moldova have adopted and adapted the Head Start model Involving and empowering families is as important as health, dental, mental and nutritional support and connecting them to other families and the community 3

So what do we do? Work on Head Start to be the best that we can be Build social capital (it’s the relationship, stupid!) nationally, at state level and locally Tell our stories and our story 4

The language of Head Start It is not what you say, it is what they hear! 5

Defining success and building consensus Four C’s of Consensus Common Ground Credibility Complete foundation Commitment 6

The principle of common ground Drop words that polarize: anti-poverty; “right to…” Adopt the language of success: Child success; graduate high school; less need for special education; less need to repeat grades; preparedness for life; readiness for school/life 7

The principle of common ground Drop: needy, disadvantaged, poor Adopt: at-risk, vulnerable Avoid mentioning “federal funding” whenever possible 8

The principle of credibility Talk to the head instead of the heart “ Investments in Head Start pay dividends for the children, their families, and their communities. Children who go through Head Start are less likely to need special education classes, or repeat grades when they are older and are far more likely to graduate high school. “ NOT “all young children deserve a quality early educational experience and Head Start” 9

The principle of credibility Delete absolutes and define “comprehensive” NO: most successful, vital, only, premier “Comprehensive” is not as good as specifically calling out “emotional growth, social maturation, parent involvement, cognitive development, health and dental care” 10

The principle of complete foundation “Head Start provides at-risk children the right foundation to build on for years to come” “In Head Start, we try not only to cultivate abilities, but to spark interest and passion in learning. That way when children start elementary school they aren’t one step behind, they are prepared, ready and starting on the right path” “Our success means that today’s Head Start graduates will be tomorrow’s high school and college graduates. It means also that their families find support and education in our programs. We can never forget that our goal is not just to prepare children for kindergarten, but also to help those children and their families to be successful in life” 11

The principle of commitment NO: Head Start is a federal program YES: Head Start is a commitment to America’s children 12

Try this… This nation was built on the belief that we all- regardless of our circumstances at birth – at least deserve the chance to have a better future. And in Head Start, we recognize that parents are their children’s first and most influential teachers. Head Start’s success is based upon the creation of compassionate partnerships between Head Start staff and parents on behalf of their children. We work with families to remove barriers to their success and to deepen their ability to support their children. 13

Take the time Tell every success story, take pictures Get others to tell your story 14

Stay in touch 15