Getting A Headstart

I have to tell you, I am feeling very blessed at this moment. I am sitting in a nice hotel room, in a queen size bed to myself with my laptop on a pillow typing away. In a minute I may even go take a long bubble bath soak without anyone to interrupt me. Did I mention I am in Nashville?

Volunteering has afforded me the opportunity to be taken to a conference with our local Headstart program. I have to admit I was gladly accepted the invitation because the trip was free. However today I was privileged to better understand this wonderful organization. Two particular speakers blew me away. I plan to blog about them a little more later.

I like to people watch and enjoy wondering about the people around me and imagine their lives. It was even more interesting to visit with the people sitting around me. I met a lady who teaches preschoolers in East LA, a mom from Brooklyn and a dad from Puerto Rico. I heard several stories from Headstart moms who after enrolling their children have gotten GED's, started college, became teachers, administrators, directors. The support and programs they provide the children and the parents, is amazing.

I have to admit, when I enrolled my son, I was really just looking for an affordable preschool option for my 5 year old who missed the cut off to start school last fall by a few days. What I found is a program designed to give a hand up to low income parents.

Like a lot of education programs, the requirements for Headstart services are increasing and the funding is going down. Headstart currently only serves 48% of the population it needs to reach. I know of a director who due to budget cuts has cut her salary to be 2/3 of her teachers to keep the doors open. If you are at all familiar with the program, and think it is worthwhile, please talk to your elected officials. It would be a shame to see this valuable community program go away.