chapter 9- Head Start or Pre-K

Aside from many controversies on the Head Start or a pre-school program studies have shown how effective it is. The children learn social and developmental skills but they also become readily prepared for kindergarten. Head Start is federally funded and is for low income families. Pre-k Schools are part of the school district and the qualifications are based on low income or if a child speaks another language besides English. They would fall under the bilingual or ESL (English as a second language) program. Both programs are very similar and are designed to help the children be successful. In Pre-K they learn their colors, shapes, letters, and some learn to read at the end of the program. The Head Start offers many services for the parents as well as the child.

After working in a pre-k facility I can see first hand the benefit of this program. The children are 4 years of age and they are only there for half a day. For some of them this is their first year at school and they have a hard time adapting. They are offered lunch or breakfast, music, PE, and library services. They are taught nutrition and simple hygiene (washing of hands) and how to follow rules. It is a wonderful experience watching these little one’s grow and learn through out the year.

Feldman, R. (2007). Child development (4th edition). Pearson Prentice Hall.
http://www.headstartinfo.org/recruitment/child_hs.
http://www.garlandisd.net/