Support Early Learners: Schedule a Head Start Visit

Across the country, more than 400,000 children enter kindergarten from Head Start programs each year. Your local Head Start program has supported and tracked each child’s social, emotional, and academic progress and health. Your school extends that “head start.” Compared to peers, Head Start “graduates” are more likely to finish high school, go to college, be employed, and enjoy good health.

October is both National Principals Month and National Head Start Awareness Month—the perfect time to discuss school readiness goals with your local Head Start director.

• Visit your local Head Start program. You might receive an invitation from a local Head Start director or reach out yourself. Your visit could include reading a book to children, meeting a parent group, or strategizing with the director about new ways to collaborate. 
• Invite your local Head Start director to see what’s happening in your school. There’s so much to share, from early learning goals and curricula to ways parents can continue to be involved in their child’s school.

Celebrate this good work by sharing a photo or note about your visit using #LeadersinSchoolReadiness and #ThankAPrincipal on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The Office of Head Start, U.S. Department of Education, NAESP, and National Head Start Association created the Leaders in School Readiness campaign to leverage your school readiness efforts in October and for the rest of the school year.

Relationships between principals and Head Start directors set the stage for children’s long-term success. Build a bridge with your local Head Start program so every child comes to school ready to learn.