Students in the 2022-23 class at Atchison County Head Start wish Head Start a happy 58th birthday.

Since 1965, Head Start has served millions of children and families by promoting school readiness and providing comprehensive services by stressing the role of the parents being their child’s first and most important teacher.

Head Start programs are designed to help young children from families with low income to prepare to succeed in school. They use evidence-based practices and a comprehensive approach to learning to improve educational and life outcomes for children and families.

In 2007, Head Start was reauthorized under the George W. Bush administration to strengthen Head Start quality. This included alignment with the school readiness goals with early learning standards, higher qualifications for the teaching workforce, a state advisory council on early care and education in every state. These guidelines also review the child outcomes and the annual financial audit.

In the last 58 years, Head Start has served over 30 million children. The program grew from an eight-week demonstration project in 1965 to include full day/full year services after 2007. Head Start works with the whole family, not just the children. Families work toward setting dreams or goals that they want to achieve while the children have health and developmental screenings to make sure they are on the right path to succeed.

Join Atchison County Head Start in wishing Head Start “a happy 58th birthday” and may there be many, many more.

If you or someone you know has a child who is between the ages of three and five and they are looking for a free preschool experience, they can call 816-718-6368 or  660-582-3113.