National Make a Difference to Children Month acknowledges the hardships children can face without adequate guidance and support and serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility in nurturing the next generation. For Head Start, an early education program dedicated to the development and well-being of young children and their families, this observance provides an opportunity for programs to renew their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of low-income and marginalized children. National Make a Difference to Children Month aligns with Head Start’s mission to break down barriers to success through its comprehensive childhood services for children from diverse backgrounds. The month-long campaign serves as a call to action for communities, volunteers, and advocates to recognize and support Head Start’s imperative work. Ultimately, National Make a Difference to Children Month reinforces the notion that by investing in children today, not only does it set them on a path to lifelong success and wellness, but it also contributes to a more promising future for everyone.
The Head Start Difference
National Make a Difference to Children Month shines a spotlight on initiatives that positively impact the lives of young individuals, and there is no better example than the transformative work carried out by Head Start programs. Dedicated to serving the most disadvantaged children, Head Start has become a beacon of hope for those facing economic hardships, marginalized backgrounds, homelessness, foster care situations, or disabilities. Research underscores the profound effects of Head Start on these vulnerable populations, showcasing the program's commitment to making a lasting difference.
Immediate Impacts: A Foundation for Success
Head Start's immediate impacts are profound, setting the stage for a successful academic and personal journey. Early Head Start lays the groundwork, fostering significantly better cognitive, social-emotional, and language development. Children transitioning from Early Head Start to Head Start show enhanced readiness for kindergarten, better immunization rates, and increased access to disability services.
In just one year of Head Start enrollment, children make impressive strides in language, literacy, and math. These achievements translate to normative scores in letter-word knowledge by the end of the year. The positive outcomes extend beyond academics, encompassing higher levels of cognitive and social-emotional development. These children exhibit improved impulse control, social skills, and approaches to learning, contributing to a reduction in problem behaviors such as aggression and hyperactivity.
Head Start's impact on physical well-being is equally significant. Children in the program, regardless of their weight status, demonstrate healthier BMI by kindergarten entry. They are more likely to adopt healthier eating patterns and receive essential dental checkups, laying the foundation for a lifetime of well-being.
K-12 Impacts: Nurturing a Lifelong Love of Learning
The influence of Head Start extends into the K-12 years, with children who attended Early Head Start programs experiencing fewer child welfare encounters during elementary school. Early Head Start enrollment positively affects social-emotional functioning that lasts through fifth grade. The mortality rates for these children between ages five and nine are significantly lower than their non-Head Start counterparts.
Academically, the advantages of Head Start enrollment are evident in cognitive and social-emotional measures in kindergarten. Children in the program exhibit fewer attention difficulties and negative behaviors compared to those in parental care. This academic momentum carries forward, resulting in higher academic achievement and better attendance throughout their school years.
Adulthood and Generational Impacts: A Ripple Effect of Success
The impact of Head Start is not confined to childhood; it ripples into adulthood, influencing life trajectories and breaking generational cycles of disadvantage. Individuals who attended Head Start programs are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and achieve post-secondary degrees or certifications. This higher educational attainment translates into increased wages, decreased rates of unemployment, and improved overall health.
The positive effects extend beyond individuals to the families of Head Start graduates. Early Head Start parents create more stimulating home environments, engage more frequently in reading with their children, and exhibit higher levels of self-sufficiency. Graduates invest more time in their own children's learning activities, fostering positive parenting practices. The children of Head Start graduates are significantly more likely to complete high school, enroll in college, and avoid pitfalls such as teen parenthood or involvement in the criminal justice system.
Volunteers Make a Difference to Head Start Children
The success of Head Start programs is not only attributed to its dedicated staff but also to the invaluable contributions of volunteers. These individuals, many of whom are parents of Head Start children, play a critical role in the everyday operations and success of Head Start programs. Their time and efforts represent a tangible manifestation of the commitment to helping the most vulnerable children in communities across the United States. Access information and resources related to volunteering in Head Start programs here.
Observe National Make a Difference to Children Month
As National Make a Difference to Children Month is acknowledged throughout July, it is important to recognize and applaud the profound impact of Head Start. It is a testament to the transformative power of early childhood education, demonstrating that investing in the well-being and education of the youngest members of society can break barriers, create opportunities, and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come. Head Start's commitment to making a difference is not just a month-long observance; it is a lifelong mission dedicated to building a foundation of success and well-being for all children and communities.
Early childhood educators and parents can check out the National Make a Difference to Children Month activities provided by ChildSavers to introduce children to the ways in which they too can make a difference. Additionally, discover a brief history, timeline, frequently-asked questions, and ideas of how to observe National Make a Difference to Children Month on National Today’s Make a Difference to Children Month page.
Resource Links
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/browse/keyword/volunteers
https://www.childsavers.org/national-make-a-difference-to-children-month/
https://nationaltoday.com/national-make-a-difference-to-children-month/