National Head Start Association

National Head Start Association is a private non-profit organization that represents the interests of Head Start programs across the United States. The organization was founded in 1973 by a group of Head Start directors, including Edward Zigler, who is often referred to as the "father of Head Start". The National Head Start Association works closely with other organizations, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Children's Defense Fund, to promote the well-being and development of young children. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a strong relationship with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education.

● History

The National Head Start Association was established in 1973, during the presidency of Richard Nixon, with the goal of supporting and advocating for Head Start programs across the United States. The organization's early years were marked by collaboration with other prominent organizations, such as the National Education Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. In the 1980s, the National Head Start Association worked closely with Senator Ted Kennedy and Representative John Brademas to secure increased funding for Head Start programs. The organization has also partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support early childhood education initiatives. Notable figures, such as Marian Wright Edelman and Deborah Kong, have played important roles in shaping the organization's mission and objectives.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The National Head Start Association's mission is to promote and support high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive services for young children and their families. The organization's objectives include advocating for increased funding for Head Start programs, providing training and technical assistance to Head Start staff, and promoting research and evaluation to improve program effectiveness. The organization works closely with other organizations, such as the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and the Zero to Three organization, to achieve its objectives. The National Head Start Association also collaborates with universities and research institutions, such as the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the University of Michigan, to advance the field of early childhood education.

● Programs_and_Services

The National Head Start Association offers a range of programs and services to support Head Start programs and early childhood education professionals. These include training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, and advocacy and policy support. The organization also provides resources and support for Head Start programs to improve their quality and effectiveness, such as the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). The National Head Start Association has partnered with organizations, such as the National Center for Children in Poverty and the Center for American Progress, to develop and implement innovative programs and services. Additionally, the organization has worked with institutions, such as the Bank Street College of Education and the Erikson Institute, to advance the field of early childhood education.

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The National Head Start Association is a strong advocate for Head Start programs and early childhood education. The organization works closely with Congress and the Administration to promote increased funding and support for Head Start programs. The National Head Start Association has also partnered with other organizations, such as the National Women's Law Center and the First Focus organization, to advocate for policies that support young children and their families. The organization has been involved in several key policy initiatives, including the Head Start reauthorization and the Every Student Succeeds Act. The National Head Start Association has also worked with think tanks, such as the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, to inform policy decisions and advance the field of early childhood education.

● Membership_and_Partnerships

The National Head Start Association has a diverse membership that includes over 1,600 Head Start programs, as well as other organizations and individuals who support early childhood education. The organization has partnerships with a range of organizations, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Children's Defense Fund, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The National Head Start Association also collaborates with universities and research institutions, such as the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, to advance the field of early childhood education. The organization's members include directors and staff of Head Start programs, as well as policymakers and advocates who support early childhood education.

● Annual_Conference_and_Training

The National Head Start Association hosts an annual conference that brings together Head Start professionals, policymakers, and advocates to share best practices and discuss key issues in early childhood education. The conference features keynote speakers, such as Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot and Daniel Goleman, and workshops on topics such as program management, curriculum development, and family engagement. The organization also offers training and technical assistance throughout the year, including webinars and in-person training sessions. The National Head Start Association has partnered with organizations, such as the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the American Federation of Teachers, to provide high-quality training and technical assistance to Head Start professionals. The organization's annual conference and training events are attended by thousands of professionals and advocates from across the United States.

Category:Early childhood education