Bay Mills Community College, Brimley, MI
http://www.bmcc.org
Grant award dates 09/30/03 – 09/29/08
Abstract:
The project enables Indian Head Start classroom teaching staff to enroll in online classes. Participants may earn credit toward Child Development Associate credentials and associate degrees in early childhood education from Bay Mills Community College Virtual College. The objective is to continuously improve a model technology program and to attain a retention rate exceeding 60 percent annually. Centers purchase computers and experiment with mentors, online staff meetings, and electronic bulletin boards. Bay Mills Community College partners with Coquille Indian Head Start, Oregon; Spokane Indian Head Start, Washington; Lac Vieux Desert Indian Head Start, Michigan; South Central Foundation Head Start, Alaska; Sault Tribe Head Start, Michigan; Grand Portage Head Start, Minnesota; Grand Traverse Band Head Start, Michigan; Hoopa Valley Head Start, California; Bay Mills Child Development Center, Michigan, Pokagan Band Head Start, Michigan; and Chehalis Tribe Head Start, Washington.
Blackfeet Community College, Browning, MT
http://www.bfcc.org
Grant award dates 09/30/03 – 09/29/08
Abstract:
The project supports the Blackfeet Early Childhood Center’s goal of providing quality services to children and their families on the Blackfeet Reservation. On completion of the project, the number of professional teachers in the classroom will be increased by 45 percent, and 100 percent of the lead teachers will have an associate or baccalaureate degree. Blackfeet Community College partners with the Blackfeet Early Childhood Center.
Chief Dull Knife College, Lame Deer, MT
http://www.cdkc.edu
Grant award dates 09/30/04 – 09/29/09
Abstract:
To help Tribal Head Start teaching staff complete an associate degree in early childhood education, this project develops and implements a comprehensive education model. Participants may complete a degree program with the least amount of release time from work because courses are offered at times and locations convenient for participants. Support services are available in the form of tutoring, counseling and guidance, child care, transportation, and distance learning. The Chief Dull Knife College partners with the Northern Cheyenne Head Start program.
College of Menominee Nation, Keshena, WI
http://www.menominee.edu
Grant award dates 09/30/03 – 09/29/08
Abstract:
The College of Menominee Nation works with Tribal Head Start grantee classroom teaching staff. It supports the development of a pool of Head Start/Early Head Start teachers who are knowledgeable in early and emergent literacy and qualified to meet the educational needs of young children. The College offers bridge courses for students in an early childhood applied sciences program who want to earn an associate degree for transfer and who wish to continue their education to earn a baccalaureate degree. Students in the project also receive training before taking the test required for entrance to a four-year program. College of Menominee Nation partners with Menominee Head Start/Early Head Start and the Early Childhood Program at the College of Menominee Nation.
Fort Belknap College, Harlem, MT
http://www.fbcc.edu
Grant award dates 09/30/03 – 09/29/08
Abstract:
Classroom teaching staff at the Fort Belknap Community Head Start can pursue an associate degree in early childhood education. The project also teams with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to encourage Head Start parents to obtain a General Education Development (GED) diploma or a college degree. Montana State University, Bozeman has been an important part of this partnership to develop cohort groups whose goal is to complete a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education. The project provides online classes and plans to offer courses via two-way interactive video. Scheduling accommodations are made for non-traditional learners and Head Start staff. This program also pays for substitute teachers to enable Head Start staff to take daytime classes, as well as provide in-service training in numeration, literacy, and classroom management. The Fort Belknap College partners with Fort Belknap Community Head Start at three sites, the Rural Systemic Initiative Program, Montana State University, Bozeman, area public schools, and TANF.
Fort Peck Community College, Poplar, MT
http://www.fpcc.edu
Grant award dates 09/30/03 – 09/29/08
Abstract:
The primary goal of the Fort Peck Community College Tribally Controlled College/Head Start Partnership Project is to develop and implement a comprehensive education program for Fort Peck Head Start personnel that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood development. To accomplish this goal, Fort Peck Community College offers a broad range of resources, including: evening classes for non-traditional Head Start classroom teaching staff; classrooms and instructional equipment; office and communication equipment; telephone and Internet service; student advisors and tracking toward degree completion; and library and resource services. Fort Peck Community College offers associate degrees and distance learning courses via Rocky Mountain College and the University of Montana, Northern. Distance learning is available via Vision Net, a statewide interactive video system. The distance education feature enables student to enroll in courses that lead to a baccalaureate degree. Fort Peck Community College partners with six Head Start Centers on the Fort Peck Reservation, Rocky Mountain College, and the University of Montana, Northern.
Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT
http://www.lbhc.cc.mt.us
Grant award dates 09/30/05 – 09/29/10
Abstract:
Little Big Horn College (LBHC) is in partnership with the Crow Tribe Head Start program and the Tribal Community College Early Childhood Education - Head Start Montana State University-Bozeman Partnership program. A public two-year community college, LBHC offers Associate of Arts and Science degrees and certificates in areas that reflect the developing economic opportunities and social needs of the Crow Nation. The Early Childhood Education Partnership program helps Head Start teachers complete an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education. Project outcomes include: increased enrollment of Native American students at Little Big Horn College and Montana State University-Bozeman, as well as completion of an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education; meeting national mandates and Head Start standards; higher student salaries in their respective Head Start programs; and enhanced collaborative efforts between LBHC and Montana State University-Bozeman.
Northwest Indian College, Bellingham, WA
http://www.nwic.edu
Grant award dates 09/30/05 – 09/29/10
Abstract:
Northwest Indian College (NWIC), the only regional tribal college in the United States, provides direct educational services to multiple tribes. Accredited in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, NWIC serves as the gateway to post-secondary education for over 40 tribes and 125,000 Indian people, partnering with four baccalaureate colleges that currently accept associate degrees from NWIC (Washington State University, Heritage University, Evergreen State College, and Lewis-Clark State College) and Head Start programs from seven tribes (Lummi, Nooksack, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, Colville, Yakama and Nez Perce). The partnership with these universities and colleges builds ongoing relationships, supports students and promotes success in their transition to baccalaureate degree programs. During the grant period, NWIC intends to build an enduring relationship with all partners so that services will continue to be offered at the conclusion of the grant period.
Oglala Lakota College, Kyle, SD
http://www.olc.edu
Grant award dates 09/30/03 – 09/29/08
Abstract:
To better serve the needs of the Lakota children of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and Rapid City, this project offers an opportunity to Head Start and Early Head Start classroom teaching staff for onsite instruction and distance learning. Emphasis is on increasing the number of students engaged in early childhood education in South Dakota. Opportunities for instruction include distance learning initiatives, collaborations with numerous centers, and cooperative efforts with partners. Instruction integrates research-based strategies for language development, building on the Lakota Native language, and strategies for early literacy and social and emotional development. It also addresses the importance of books in the home and vocabulary development. Collaborations with the Reservation and Rapid City schools support successful transition to kindergarten and emphasize parent involvement and the importance of engaging fathers. Oglala Lakota College partners with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Early Childhood Component, Rural America Initiatives, Badlands Head Start, Oglala Lakota College, and the Dakota Transitional Head Start.
Sitting Bull College, Fort Yates, ND
http://www.sittingbull.edu
Grant award dates 09/30/05 – 09/29/10
Abstract:
Sitting Bull College (SBC) is in partnership with Sisseton-Wahpeton Community College (SWCC) and two Head Start grantees (Standing Rock Reservation and Lake Traverse Reservation) and provides instruction at the associate and baccalaureate degree levels to staff of Head Start programs. These two reservations are located in the northern part of South Dakota and the southern part of North Dakota. Forty-five teachers, 75 percent of the total teaching staff, will complete a degree in early childhood education within the five years of the grant period. The comprehensive approach to achieve this goal involves: each college offers to its own students a degree program in early childhood education, as well as makes arrangements for its early childhood course work to be cross-listed to assure the sharing of offerings; conversion of 15 courses to distance learning (Internet-based) formats; and collaboration to enable Head Start personnel to begin work on degrees at the baccalaureate level within one year of the start of the grant period.
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) Board of Regents, Albuquerque, NM
http://www.sipi.bia.edu
Grant award dates 09/30/04 – 09/29/09
Abstract:
The project increases the number of American Indian Head Start and Early Head Start classroom teachers who complete a program of study which results in an associate degree in early childhood education. Participants gain culturally relevant curricula and access to courses in a manner responsive to rural communities, including distance learning. In addition, this project enables Tribal Head Start and Early Head Start programs to meet their professional development needs, thus ensuring that Native American children are prepared to enter school. The SIPI Board of Regents partners with the Jicarilla Apache, Santo Domingo, and Mescalero Apache Tribal Head Start programs.
Stone Child College, Box Elder, MT
http://www.montana.edu/wwwscc
Grant award dates 09/30/03 – 09/29/08
Abstract:
This project developed and implements a comprehensive model education program, leading to an increase in the number of associate and baccalaureate degrees earned by Head Start classroom personnel. Students are also able to enroll in online courses via the University of Montana to earn a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education. This assures the accessibility of education to those who may be unable to attend traditional classes. Stone Child College partners with Rocky Boy Head Start and Early Head Start.
