Head Start

The foundations for school and life achievement are established in a child’s earliest years. Their first few years are a time of enormous growth of linguistic, conceptual, social, emotional, and motor competence.  When Kimberly and Richard heard Head Start was offered in their community, they knew their two young boys Hayden, 7, and Drake, 5, would attend.  “I wanted them to become familiar with a school setting before they actually started school,” Kimberly said.  “I was a Head Start child and so were my brothers and sisters.  I remember that experience and wanted the same for Hayden and Drake.”  Head Start helps economically disadvantaged children from 3 to 5 years old develop their educational and social skills.  Teachers involve family members in instruction and other center-based activities to help foster a lifetime of commitment to quality education.  Hayden and Drake attended Head Start at Central Learning Center in Clark County.  Through Head Start’s comprehensive parent involvement program, parents participate in decision-making, volunteer in the classroom, and develop parent-sponsored activities.  Kimberly has benefited just as much as the boys.  “When Hayden was born, I left the corporate world to become a stay-at-home mom,” she said.  “It was a huge transition.  When we started Head Start, I became very involved.”  For two years Kimberly served as Parent Committee President for Clark County and served on the Area Policy Council (APC).  She served as APC President for one year (06-07).  “I strive to be involved with the program,” said Kimberly, “which has been very fun.  They really push parent involvement.”  Through her experience with Head Start, Kimberly promotes the program and refers people to other Foothills programs.  “Head Start absolutely loves their families,” said Kimberly.  “That’s really cool because they go all out for us.  If you take advantage of that, your kids are deeply impacted.”  Kimberly loves that Head Start works with each child to uplift them and praise them.  The staff work on building the children’s self-esteem and confidence.  “Staff focus on all aspects of a child’s well-being,” said Kimberly.  “They give people hope.”  Hayden and Drake have significantly benefited from the program.  “Head Start is a really good first experience for families,” said Kimberly.  “It’s a fantastic face to put on the whole school setting.  They do a lot of great things.  Head Start really does give children a head start!”  Pictured l-r: Kimberly, Drake and Hayden.