In February 1993, the Head Start Reauthorization Act was introduced into Congress. The act proposes to expand and improve Head Start. Head Start operators would be required to provide family literacy services, either directly or through other community providers. The bill also provides for Head Start-like services to pregnant women and children…

In October 1993, Kansas City Head Start project created Full Start, a pilot project with two neighborhood child care centers. Full Start is an expansion program to enable a wider range of needy children otherwise not eligible for Head Start to benefit from comprehensive services. Full Start parents are treated as equal partners participating in…

In 1988, the Head Start Bureau envisioned a system fostering collaboration among Head Start, child care, and early childhood community to meet the needs of eligible preschoolers not being served by Head Start. The National Head Start Association encourages the Head Start community to develop such collaborative programs. Programs in Missouri,…

Recounts an interview with Olivia Golden, Commissioner for the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) who oversees a broad range of programs for children and families. Discusses her career; goals for her office; and Head Start, particularly the program's future, highlights of the reauthorization legislation, collaborative efforts,…

Interview with Nancy Landon Kassebaum, third-term Senator from Kansas. Discusses the Head Start program, particularly funding and how it fits into welfare reform. Shares some of her home state's efforts with regard to the national education goals; family issues such as job training, literacy, safe child care, and preventive health care; and…

Lists candidates for National Head Start Association (NHSA) elected positions and announces four new awards sponsored by the NHSA. Recognizes the Missouri State Highway Patrol for its work with Head Start children. Presents a draft report on the NHSA Quality Initiative, a system designed to promote quality in Head Start and to provide challenges…

Mary Joe Bane, assistant secretary for child and families, Department of Health and Human Services, discusses her goals for Head Start; how Head Start will be affected by collaboration efforts between child care and pre-K programs, health care reform, and the National and Community Service Trust Act; and major changes in store for Head Start…

Describes a new organization called LInking Networks for KidS (LINKS). Formed by the National Head Start Association and 13 national early childhood organizations, this national consortium promotes comprehensive services and supports for developmentally vulnerable young children and their families. LINKS goals and member organizations are listed.…

Highlights the efforts of 11 Kiwanis groups across the country who have formed partnerships with Head Start centers. Sponsored activities described include (1) reading and literacy programs; (2) building and maintenance projects for centers and playgrounds; (3) a health fair; (4) a family sports event; and (5) donations of time, labor, books,…

Describes new services offered by the Community Action Agency of Franklin County, New York, after carefully listening to Head Start families. The agency now operates programs that successfully address problems Head Start families and other members of the community are having with housing, nutrition, domestic violence, and emergency assistance.…

Offers advice to Head Start teachers on making parents feel comfortable as observers or volunteers in the classroom. Suggests that home visits are a way to become better acquainted with families and offers several ideas for keeping in touch with parents. Provides suggestions on encouraging parent participation and making parents feel welcome in…

Discusses the Free to Grow initiative, a five-year program aimed at increasing the capacity of Head Start to help prevent substance abuse. The collaborative program is designed to assist a number of local Head Start programs to develop and implement model substance abuse prevention projects that will strengthen both the families and neighborhoods…

Calls for new approaches to meeting the needs of children and families, specifically through partnerships among Head Start, education, business, and other social service agencies. Discusses steps for establishing such partnerships as well as partnership objectives. Describes some existing collaborative programs around the country. (HTH)

Describes three-hour "Fun Day" workshops implemented to increase parent participation in Head Start workshops. Notes three factors of program success: (1) parents received attractive invitation from child; (2) invitation guaranteed adult would have fun with child; and (3) every family received a gift. Describes workshop activities and…

Discusses the home-based option for delivering services to Head Start families. Suggests that the key to successful programs is group socialization, providing social settings outside the home for parents to expand parenting skills. Suggests ways of involving parents in socialization activities, extending learning from home to group setting,…