KCSL’s Commitment to Early Childhood Education
October is Head Start Awareness Month! Let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate Kansas Children’s Service League’s (KCSL) early childhood education programs and the legacy Head Start has built.
A Look at Head Start’s Roots
Founded in 1965, Head Start has served more than 38 million children. It originated as an eight-week demonstration project designed to help break the cycle of poverty. The program was developed in response to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s declaration of the War on Poverty. Initially offered to preschool children from low-income families, Head Start aimed to meet their needs for success. Over the years, the program has evolved to provide full-day, full-year early education programs, continuing to support children and families.
KCSL received a grant in 1976 to begin providing Head Start services and opened its first classroom in 1977 in Garden City. Throughout the years Head Start services have grown across the state. KCSL now provides Early Head Start and Head Start services in 10 southwest Kansas counties.
How Head Start Programs Shape Early Learning
KCSL’s Early Head Start program works with at-risk pregnant mothers and families with children from birth to age three. Early Head Start provides weekly home visits and center-based as forms of support for these families.
KCSL’s Head Start program offers early education for three-year-olds. In addition to this, Head Start also provides behavioral and physical health care and nutritional services designed for the child.
Early childhood education programs help with social and emotional development, communication and language skills, societal benefits, closing the achievement gap and giving children a head start.
The Power of Community in Head Start’s Success
Family involvement is at the heart of KCSL’s early childhood education programs. Every other month, KCSL’s Head Start programs host a family night, where families can come together and participate in fun activities and spend quality time with one another. Designed with the whole family in mind, these nights help foster strong connections. Additionally, parent education meetings are held to cover essential topics such as financial literacy, dental awareness, car seat safety and health advocacy. These sessions provide parents with the resources and skills to build a healthy and happy family life.
Interested in Enrolling?
Click to submit interest forms for either program.
