anyone heard of the head start preschool program?

Question

what do you think of it concidering it is "government assisted"
do you think it is still a good program or would you rather pay some and put in a different preschool?

Answer 1

Depends on what you are looking for. We heard great things about the public preschool program here for K-4, so we put our son in it and pulled him out the 5th day. Friends loved it and kept their kid in the entire year. For us, it was worth the fee for a private preschool. If it helps, there is nothing wrong with my son - no labels, diseases, behavior problems or anything that would affect our preschool decision.

I suggest you go visit the preschool when the kids are in class. This gives you the opportunity to see how the teachers act toward the kids in a real life setting. Are the kids happy? Are the teachers nice? Are they learning what you feel is age level appropriate? And appropriate for your family beliefs and morals? Talk to the parents of kids currently and previously enrolled. Good luck!

Answer 2

I've worked with some kids in the head start program, and most times, when I work with them its because they are being considered for special education services. I'm not saying headstart causes special education, but most kiddos are from low income families whose parents cannot afford to help teach their children at home. The headstart has a wonderful program that teaches the little ones their alphabet, numbers, colors, etc...but at the same time, the children are mixed in with other kids who may have emotional disabilities (those are most of the kids I work with), or other learning disabilities that could interfer with their learning. Its really up to you if you want to have your child in that environment. For most people that's really the only option, but it would be better to pay for preschool or a day care with certified teachers...I also might add, that just because you're paying for something, doesn't mean its good...you need to look into all different preschools and compare which is the best, talk to other parents whose kids went there and make sure you talk to the teachers at the school as well (the good ones will usually have teachers' children in the school too).

Answer 3

Head Start is a wonderful program. It is designed for people who can not afford preschool. Most live below the federal poverty level which is 20,000 for a family of 4, there other ways to qualify besides income, receiving childcare assistance is another way. Each program is reviewed by the federal government every 3 years. Head Start supports the family as well as providing a quality preschool program. If you have the money to pay for preschool you might not qualify. Two of my children have been in a home based option for Head Start.

Answer 4

I have two children. One went to Head Start and one went to a preschool that we had to pay for. The only difference that I saw was the money that we paid each month. They both were taught the same things and each received a good start on their learning. Base your decision on which school you feel is the best for your child. There are good and bad preschools in either category.The quality of the teacher will make the classroom not necessarily the amount that you have to spend each month for tuition. Visit each of them and talk to the teachers and staff then make a decision. Good luck!

Answer 5

Let's see- it started in the 1960's so yeah, most of us have heard of it.
It is a federally funded program for people who CANNOT AFFORD private preschool.
It is income-based. If you can "pay some", then do so and don't waste their time.
Data on the program: more children at risk (hint; this means poor) who go to HeadStart manage to finish high school and cope with school in general than kids who had no preschool experience and start in kindergarten.

Answer 6

The head start program has been known to be very good for children of low-income families. It helps them prepare for higher levels of education while they are not left behind. The only problem is that over the course of a child's life who is in the program, there seems to be no academic differences compared to children of similar income levels that have not participated in the program. I guess that it depends on the child and what they learn.

Answer 7

Both of my girls went to head start for 2 years each. Where we are from you are lucky if your kids get into the program. I also served on the policy council for head start and they have some high standards for employees and the way things are run. My kids had a great time there, the most important thing at this age is the socialization and this realy helps get them ready for real school. If you can get your kids in it utilize it.

Answer 8

I am proud to say I work for a very high quality Head Start program and I urge you not to over look this program. In some places it is better than in others, but please check it out in your area and see for yourself. Most of our staff hold teaching credentials ranging from CDA's to Master's Degrees. Some are qualified to teach at much higher levels but choose to teach for Head Start because they believe so strongly in quality preschool education. Our children leave us with a rock solid foundation to begin their elementary school years, and they often tell us later when they are in high school and beyond that their Head Start years were the best and they appreciate beyond measure what they got from us. We have over-income families on our waiting lists just hoping they will get a slot for their child.

Yes, we're government funded, but the funding is very minimal. We are always seeking support from our communities. We apply for grants from local businesses such as utility companies. We ask community members to come in and share their knowledge with the children. Dental technicians come to teach the children to care for their teeth. Firefighters come to teach fire safety. (We've had families survive a fire because their 4 year old knew what the smoke alarm meant and woke up the family to get out of the house.) We have veterinary technicians come to teach the children why they shouldn't approach an animal they don't know. Parents come in to read to us, cook with us, teach us their hobbies, and play with us. We visit libraries and nursing homes, fire stations, police stations, and local businesses.

Our children finish our program with life skills, self confidence, beginning reading skills, and math, science, music, art, and physical fitness skills they might not otherwise have had. Please don't over look us. Check us out! It might be the best time you ever spent!

Answer 9

We had one at the reservation in the town i'm from. I wouldn't want my kids going there.It was definately for less fortunate kids. A lower class of people sent their kids there.You know the moms who sit at home smoking and drinking,drugging while kids their are wearing shorts in 50 dgre.
weather because mom doesn't have the money. Check out the one where you live,it could be much better.
ps .the kids couldn't help their circumstance I just didn't want my kids around that.

Answer 10

Head start programs r a waste of time put your child in a school where you have to pay tuition, or get a grant. NO HEAD START