Evaluation of Community Head Start Program

Introduction

The need to evaluate any programs put into place is important.  Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of any program can help the program grow into something that is successful.  The aspects of the program that should be evaluated are if the group that is being targeted is perhaps getting what they need, does the criteria meet the needs of this group and what can we do better.  Developing a program without and evaluation process is senseless. The report will examine if the program reaches the targeted population and if the services that are provided to the targeted population are of help to them or not.

Program Identification and Targeted Age Group

Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc. Head Start is a federally funded, comprehensive early childhood program that serves children ages 3-5 and their families. Fulmont Head Start is located in Amsterdam and Gloversville, NY.   (Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc. Head Start, Nd) This age group is the primary age of child to gain knowledge prior to starting a pre-kindergarten class.

Developmental Needs and Risk Factors

Development needs

The development needs which are identified in the program and which are also in line with the targeted group know shapes, colors, and letters (Rolnick & Grunewald, 2003). These needs are indispensable in that it will prepare children for elementary school and meet their needs prior to attending.  Fulmont’s head start program aims to meet a child’s needs at the following: education (school readiness & social skills) medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, disabilities and transition. (Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc. Head Start, Nd)

Risk factors

Poor parenting is one of the largest risk factors to a child’s success.  Parents have a significant role when it comes to providing a peaceful learning environment; therefore when parents are not supportive, they expose the child to a risk of not grasping what he or she is supposed to grasp (Rolnick & Grunewald, 2003).  Some other family factors include but are not limited to sibling’s development or role in the child’s life, or a lack of parent.

Classroom materials, teachers and learning environment affect a child as well.  Classroom materials could include having materials the child needs to learn, these could include crayons, blocks or books.  A child needs to be able to form a trusting relationship with a teacher at an age as young as children who attend this Head Start Program.  The other children in the program could affect each other.  If one child is taking more attention away from the others or their needs are not getting met this will make the learning harder.

Resiliency factors

A safe and fun environment will keep children engaged and interesting in learning.  This is the stage of a child’s life that will prepare them for what’s next as in school.  Getting an encouraging start in school will help a child and their family be successful in their school years. 

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Association, collaboration, education and developing are important qualities a program like this needs to ensure it’s successful.  Parents play a major role in this as well by ensuring they are positive and encouraging learning while not at school.  Preschoolers benefit from a lot of play, discovery, and kind, respectful guidance. Discipline for three to five year olds can be positive and effective (Positive Parenting Connection, 2018). 

Program Description

The Head Start program is a community offered program that works with children the ages of 3-5 years on education, health, nutrition and social services.  It is an income eligible program.  The goal of Head Start is to provide a child with the skills needed to take on everyday life and education. As most know parents play a large roll in a child’s life, Head Start extends many opportunities for parents to become involved in their child’s learning. Programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children’s learning and development. (Head Start Program, 2019)

References

• Anderson, L. M., Shinn, C., Fullilove, M. T., Scrimshaw, S. C., Fielding, J. E., Normand, J., & Task Force on Community Preventive Services. (2003). The effectiveness of early childhood development programs: A systematic review. American journal of     preventive medicine, 24(3), 32-46.
• Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc. Head Start – Amsterdam NY Day Care Center https://childcarecenter.us/provider_detail/fulmont_community_action_agency_inc_head_start_amsterdam_ny
• Head Start Program, Office of Head Start, An Office of the Administration of Children and families, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs/about/head-start
• Positive Parenting Connection. (2018). from https://www.positiveparentingconnection.net/preschoolers-3-5-years/
• Rolnick, A., & Grunewald, R. (2003). Early childhood development: Economic development              with a high public return. The Region, 17(4), 6-12.