Children's Programs
A Personal Story from Amanda Talaga
It all started in 2001. My mom was working for Head Start and persuaded me to enroll my son Michael in Marshall-Starke Head Start. Through his experience in Head Start, Michael acquired social skills to connect with others, learned to follow rules, and became more curious and inquisitive. He learned how to adjust to change as circumstances required. He developed confidence and independence. The program gave my son a head start on life.
I too benefitted. Head Start helped me learn about teamwork and how to work with others toward a common goal. Being involved in decision making helped my confidence to grow. I served on the program’s Policy Council for three years. I realized how rewarding it was to be a positive influence in the life of my child and the lives of other children and families.
With both my children now enrolled in Head Start, it was the right time for me to take a big step. I enrolled in college and graduated in 2009 with an Associate Degree in Science. Immediately following graduation, I submitted an employment application for the position of Head Start Teacher Assistant. I interviewed and was hired. I love my job!
Head Start offered a very positive experience for my children and me. This experience taught us the importance of “spreading our wings” to build a better future.
Children's Programs Highlights
The Marshall-Starke Head Start program was awarded $40,833 from the Marshall County Community Foundation for the purchase of a school bus.
The Head Start program linked its curriculum, Galileo Standards Based Curriculum, with Indiana public school’s Academic Standards for Young Children to maximize opportunities for success in kindergarten.
Based on a comparative analysis of Galileo outcome data, children enrolled in Marshall-Starke Head Start surpassed state and national averages of other Head Start children in all assessed domains.
As part of the Early Head Start and Head Start Fatherhood Initiative, fathers and other significant male role models were invited to write a storybook about their experiences as a father. They were provided with story starter pages which dad and his Head Start son or daughter completed together. The pages were organized into chapters and dad and child added personalized illustrations. The process required dad to revisit his childhood and share stories of his early years with his son or daughter. The chapters explored dad’s dreams, hopes, and wishes for his child. Participation by fathers exceeded expectations.
Healthy Families received a monetary donation from JAMS RC as well as various baby care items and toys for distribution to families.
Children's Programs Performance Indicators
Healthy Families Program Statistics and Demographics