Head Start Family Services
by Sylvia Blythe
October 14, 2007
In 1965 Head Start founders set forth seven goals, which are still the basis for the program’s mission and values.
1. Improving the child's physical health and physical abilities.
2. Helping the emotional and social development of the child by encouraging self- confidence, spontaneity, curiosity, and self-discipline.
3. Improving the child's mental processes and skills, with particular attention to conceptual and verbal skills.
4. Establishing patterns and expectations of success for the child that will create a climate of confidence for future learning efforts.
5. Increasing the child's capacity to relate positively to family members and others, while at the same time strengthening the family's ability to relate positively to the child and his problems.
6. Developing in the child and his family a responsible attitude toward society, and encouraging society to work with the poor in solving their problems.
7. Increasing the sense of dignity and self-worth within the child and his family.
-Source:
Project Head Start: A Legacy of the War on Poverty, Second Edition,
page 137;
Zigler, Edward & Valentine, Jeanette; 1997.
In the year 2007 Childress Elementary has given me the opportunity to be involved in this very successful program. My name is Sylvia Blythe; I was privileged to work as a first grade teacher assistant for 14 years, and was very happy working directly with the children. However, when the opportunity to work directly with head start families arose I found myself up to the challenge and am very excited about my new position. I have been married to my wonderful husband George for 35 years; have 2 lovely grown children and 5 beautiful grandchildren. Family has always been my number one priority and that is why I feel confident in assisting our head start families. My goal is to abide by the goals my government has set for me as Childress Elementary’s Family Services Assistant. I have had the pleasure of meeting with all 38 families in our head start program and am looking forward to providing each family with community resources to meet their individual interests and needs. Our theme this year is” journey to success”, let’s pack our head start kids’ backpacks with wonderful experiences for their 2007-08 journey to success.
