BCSD Celebrates National Head Start Awareness Month this October

Head Start programs continue to be a beacon of hope for families in the Baldwin County School District, partnering with parents to empower our children and ensure their success in school and life. Year after year, the Head Start Program touches the lives of over a million children, from birth to age 5, making them a vital part of our local human services network. The Head Start Program remains a profound investment in the future of each child, their families, and our community as a whole.

This October, the Baldwin County School District is proud to join the Office of Head Start (OHS) under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in celebrating Head Start Awareness Month. Together, we recognize the diverse range of services Head Start programs provide to enrolled children and their families and their collaborative efforts with other ACF programs to deliver comprehensive support.

In alignment with ACF's vision, we are committed to creating a Baldwin County where children, youth, families, individuals, and communities thrive, being resilient, safe, healthy, and economically secure. We invite you to celebrate Head Start Awareness Month with us and learn more about how Head Start programs synergize with other ACF initiatives to provide holistic services for our community's children and families.

Head Start programs in Baldwin County are dedicated to fostering growth and learning among infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, encompassing all aspects of their development, and promoting health and wellness for expectant mothers. These services encompass various facets, including:

1. Family Support for Economic Mobility: Head Start programs actively engage families to support their economic advancement.

2. Research-Based Curricula: Utilizing evidence-based curricula to nurture children's approach to learning.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Promotion: Encouraging physical activity and nutrition for overall well-being.

4. Social and Emotional Development: Fostering emotional growth and resilience.

5. Inclusion and Support for Children with Disabilities: Ensuring the inclusion and assistance of children with disabilities and developmental delays.

6. Healthcare and Dental Services: Facilitating access to medical and dental care while offering regular screenings.

Parents play a central role as leaders in Head Start programs, actively contributing input on program activities and operations. These programs are delivered in various settings, including centers, family child care spaces, and the children's own homes. Since its inception, Head Start programs have positively impacted the lives of over 37 million children.

This October, let's all further our commitment to recognizing the work that Head Start does in helping the Baldwin community become the best that it can be!