Inside Gateways - Summer 2008
Greetings!
As you read this edition of Inside Gateways, your Gateways to Opportunity quarterly e-newsletter, I hope you reflect on the ways in which the field of early care and education has changed…and the ways in which it is still true to core values that were established decades ago.
Head Start, a program that began in 1965, is still providing high-quality care and early education as well as extensive family support to children and families. Head Start was established as a comprehensive federal program to meet the emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of low-income children and their families. Today, we recognize that care and education of young children cannot exist in isolation. A variety of supports that encompass the entire family is critical in meeting the needs of young children.
"Intellectually, then, as well as politically and socially, Head Start was an idea whose time had come. And the report of the Head Start Planning Committee stands as one of The most significant historical documents Ever written concerning the needs of children. It pointed a direction for the nation." Dr. Julius B. Richmond, Head Start Founder
Today, we know that programs that recognize and serve families (however you define the family unit) are crucial to making a significant impact when working with children. Head Start was indeed visionary in the programs it established to include parent involvement, family support, health (mental health), nutrition, and education.
Head Start programs frequently utilize a traditional, play-based curriculum, focused on child-initiated activities. Indeed, as you read Lilian Katz’s article, you will find references to the debate that has been ongoing for decades: Is the traditional curriculum or a more academic curriculum better for children? Lilian suggests that we need to develop a combined approach to fully meet children’s needs.
Both the “Head Start family approach” and Lilian’s suggestion for a combined curriculum make sense. As decades of Head Start research have proven, supporting the whole family truly benefits children. Why wouldn’t the best curriculum reflect a more holistic or whole child approach as well? Utilizing a combined curriculum that encompasses both academic and intellectual development may best meet the educational needs of children.
As summer comes to an end and a new school year begins, each and every one of you will work to support children and families toward positive “whole child, whole family” outcomes. I know you will find much to reflect upon in this issue of Inside Gateways.
Joni Scritchlow and Your Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development Team