By Dr. Bernadine Futrell
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start, and Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs have faced and overcome unprecedented challenges. Together, we have experienced the effects of the pandemic in big and small ways. Together, we have demonstrated resiliency, innovation, and perseverance.
Together, we are moving forward.
Watch this video to hear Dr. Bernadine Futrell, director of the Office of Head Start (OHS), announce the launch of the Head Start Forward campaign. This initiative will bring grantees together and provide information and resources needed to prepare for upcoming program year (PY) 2021–2022. Head Start Forward’s goal is to support grantees in reaching more children and families and moving toward fully in-person comprehensive services, as local health conditions allow.
The Head Start Forward campaign will help programs make decisions centered on strengthening families and on the education, health, safety, and well-being of staff, children, and families. Through webinars, guidance, and other resources, OHS will prioritize areas of immediate concern to programs and revisit them as conditions change. Topics will include eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA), mental health and staff wellness, health and safety considerations, and equity.
OHS anticipates the Head Start Forward campaign will support grantees in planning for and in making reasonable decisions and using available flexibilities in PY 2020–2021.
Introducing the Head Start Forward Campaign
Introducing the Head Start Forward Campaign
Dr. Bernadine Futrell: Hello, this is Dr. Bernadine Futrell, the proud director of The Office of Head Start and a proud alumni of the Head Start program. I am here to announce the Head Start Forward campaign. Head Start Forward is a national campaign to move Head Start forward and build us back better out of this pandemic. Our goal with Head Start Forward is to bring the Head Start community together in truth, in unity, and in love as we work together to get back to in-person comprehensive services.
We know the past has been difficult, and we're also navigating it as we speak. We also know that the Head Start community is strong and resilient. I know that the Head Start community continue to work in the midst of a pandemic. For that, I say thank you, and I'm grateful. I also know that – that came with great personal stress. We want you to know you are not alone, and together, help is here. As a unified Head Start community, we will engage in conversations and share information, resources, innovative ideas, strategies, and stories about effective ways to bring back children and families to in-person comprehensive services.
Join us for a series of webinars this summer and follow along on social media as we share updates about Head Start Forward's progress. We know that we can do this. We know that we are strong. And together, we can move Head Start Forward.
Close Dr. Bernadine Futrell is the Director of the Office of Head Start.