AMHERST -- On May 15, Community Action Pioneer Valley's (CAPV) Amherst Community Child Care held a graduation for the 14 Head Start & Early Learning Programs (HS&ELP) preschool students who will be attending kindergarten this fall.
Among the usual cheering for the young graduates, recognition of the Head Start parents, lunch, and games, Lily Stowe-Alekman, staff director for state Rep. Mindy Domb, presented the center with a citation honoring 60 years of Head Start. A similar graduation held at the program's Westfield site featured a surprise visit from a representative from state Rep. Kelly Pease's office, presenting a citation in honor of the anniversary as well.
The first Head Start summer programs were launched in May 1965. Over six decades, programs across the country have supported more than 40 million young children and their families and helped them to prepare for success in school and in life.
"Head Start is a two-generational program that has helped thousands of families in our region over the past 60 years to forge a foundation for early learning and development and long-term success," said Clare Higgins, CAPV's executive director.
The two-generational approach to which Higgins referred is the practice of supporting the whole family. Each family enrolled in HS&ELP is assigned a family advocate who follows the family through their HS&ELP journey, helping them identify and pursue their goals. Many families include parents who have been able to return to work or further their education with the support of their family advocates and the childcare HS&ELP offers.
HS&ELP administers eight centers across Franklin, Hampshire, and parts of Hampden counties. Eligible families can enroll their children in part-day or full-day care at no or low cost, with meals, snacks, diapers, and formula provided. While these practical supports are critical to the program's success, it's the emphasis on relationships that sets HS&ELP apart.
As one Head Start parent wrote in a recent survey, "I love the strong bonds and relationships built together. I've had several children go through the program at our site ... I have been able to meet so many parents and share our experiences, hopes, and goals for our families. I believe Head Start is a fantastic opportunity for building a better foundation for our kids' futures."