Head Start Cares About Your Whole Family

Head Start Cares About Your Whole Family

[Music begins]

[Baby giggles]

Woman 1: Lots of people know Head Start and Early Head Start are great places for babies and young children.

Woman 2: But Head Start is so much more.

Man 1: Head Start cares about your whole family.

Woman 3: Once my kids were all in Head Start and Early Head Start, I wanted to go back to work, [Baby coos] but I was scared. Would anyone want to hire me after being at home so long?

Woman 3: The staff at Head Start suggested I get some experience by joining the Policy Council. I was nervous, but I did it. I became really confident sharing my opinions about how to improve our Head Start program. One of the other community members on the council told me about a job opening in town. They hired me! [Energetic music plays]

Woman 2: When we moved to the United States, we felt completely alone. A refugee program helped us sign up for Early Head Start. It was amazing. Our home visitor worked with us to teach our daughter both Arabic and English.

Man 1: Merhaba.

Girl: Hello.

Woman 2: But what really surprised me were the monthly gatherings with other families in the program. The other parents were so welcoming. We feel like we’re part of a new family.

Man 1: We were thrilled when we got our foster son, James, but we struggled to adjust to the needs of a four-year-old. He was going through a lot. Head Start was just what we needed. His teacher was very sensitive to his circumstances. James was learning so much and got to play games with children his own age. We were worried because he didn't seem to talk as much as a four-year-old should. His teacher arranged to get him evaluated for speech therapy.

Boy: Hola, Papi.

Man 1: I was so grateful his teacher was willing to listen to my concerns and really help us.

Woman 3: Head Start is for families.

Woman 2: Head Start is welcoming.

Man 1: Head Start cares.

All: Thank you, Head Start!

Woman 1: Learn more about free or low-cost programs at Head Start and Early Head Start. Search for “Head Start Locator” online, or call (866) 763-6481.

[Music ends]