We completed another federal review, and the results were tremendous! Sixty-nine classrooms across all of our Head Start delegate agencies were reviewed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) from February 6 to 10, 2017, and our scores not only exceeded the projected national average in all domains, but also demonstrated significant growth over the past few months.
Together, we’ve come a long way in a very short time thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many teachers and staff members. Please know that you have my gratitude for everything you do to ensure that every child in your care reaches their highest potential.
Preparing for this review helped us all focus on quality teaching strategies. Several teachers told me that the one-on-one mentoring and personal support they received made them feel valued, and I hope that we all continue to value our teachers each and every day. Teachers are the front line—they have our babies in their hands.
When Head Start is done right—not only in the classroom, but in all of the holistic services—we see the amazing difference it makes. Recently, more and more scientific studies have been proving what we already knew: that Head Start prepares children and families to succeed in school and life. But it’s not enough just to know this; we need to share it, too. With many new decision-makers in Washington, Sacramento, and here in LA, it’s our responsibility to spread the word about all the benefits Head Start creates for families and for society.
So, please thank a teacher today, and also take a moment to tell a politician how Head Start has touched your life and enriched our country. Let’s all be Head Start Ambassadors and show how Head Start is Starting America Early!
