It’s that most wonderful time of the year…Head Start Awareness Month! President Reagan first designated October as Head Start Awareness Month in 1982, to recognize that “the involvement of parents, volunteers and the community anddedicated Head Start staff have been instrumental in creating a quality program that truly provides young children with a ‘head start’ in life.” 

This year, our County Board of Education passed a resolution highlighting “the importance of high-quality, comprehensive early childhood education to children, families and communities.” Throughout the month, Head Start parents, teachers, and children are sharing what Head Start means to them. Check out their stories on our social media: @lacoeheadstart. And then share your own. Because your story matters—not just this month, but every month. 

 In September, several parent leaders from our Policy Council traveled to Washington, D.C., to share their Head Start stories with their elected representatives. And they even had the opportunity to hear a Head Start story from one of those representatives—Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, himself a Head Start alum. 

 Your Head Start story matters not just in the halls of Congress, but even more so in your own community. Word of mouth is the best way to invite more folks into the Head Start family, whether as a family, teacher, or staff member. When you tell someone the difference that Head Start makes for you, it can start to make a difference for that person too.