Head start?

Question

My daughter is 3 and I want to enroll her in head start. Does anyone know when I need to register her and if you sent your child there, what was your experience like? Was it worth it?

Answer 1

Which country do you live in?  I've never heard of it

Answer 2

Headstart is an awesome program! My son went for 2 years and my daughter for 1. You need to actually just call the headstart program and ask them. They can tell you what you need to do!

Answer 3

I'm not sure when the registration deadline is, but in most communities there are more kids enrolling in the programs than there are spaces, so registering sooner is better than later.

Experiences will vary from one community to another, and often even between classes in the same building.  In most states, Head Start is regulated much less than a public preschool.  Private non-profits generally run the programs instead of the school system.

You best bet is to get out and talk to parents of former students in the program you will be enrolling in.  In most cases, enrolling in a poor Head Start program is better than nothing at all -- the social interaction is good for development even if the teaching is less than excellent.

The exception would be if you have a special needs child.  Some Head Start programs do not deal with special needs well, although they will go through the motions.  Best to speak with another parent of a child with similar needs.

Regardless of the quality of the program, it will be better if you spend some time volunteering in the classroom.  Not too much, as it will diminish the positive social aspects.  Maybe a couple of hours a week, just enough to keep an eye on what is going on.

Answer 4

The sooner, the better! Not sure where you live, but in my smaller town the spaces in Head Start fill up fast! Most programs begin taking applications right now (beginning of Summer). Just give them a call (yellow pages) and they will mail you the application.

Both my daughters went to Head Start and it was a great experience for both! They did learn some basic academics, but they gained so much more in social skills needed these days for kindergarten. When tested for kindergarten now, they actually test for emotional and social readiness, as well as the academics. I highly recommend this great opportunity!

Best wishes!