Learning from Head Start

Often referred to as a laboratory from which the general early childhood education community can learn, Head Start has benefited from more than 45 years of experience. Its unique blend of early childhood practices, assessments, and monitoring, along with a social service style approach, contribute to Head Start standing out as a premiere early childhood program.This book is designed to be a teaching tool for workshops and courses as well as an on-site resource for current and future Head Start teaching staff and others in early childhood education. By presenting background information, vignettes, research, and classroom activities, this book on school readiness combines best practices in early childhood education with relevant applications. Topics, written by experts in their fields, include:¨Approaches to learning and teaching strategies¨Assessments¨Behavior management¨Classroom set up¨Curriculum and lesson plans¨Early language, literacy, math, science, social studies, and creative arts¨Physical health and development (gross and fine motor skills)¨Social and emotional development¨Teaching young children with disabilities and dual language learners¨Tips for involving parents in their children’s education

I taught Head Start that first summer of 1965 in a half-day program in the Mission District of San Francisco where most of the families were Spanish-speaking. We all had great hopes for the benefits of the program. Now nearly fifty years later, we know not only that the children can benefit enormously from a year-round program, but when its quality is really good, the children continue to benefit right through their secondary school years.  The book addresses all the main topics for those of us involved in Head Start and it can also serve as a rich basis for staff discussion and parent involvement as well., This book will help you understand why Head Start has had such a profound impact on the lives of thousands of children. It is such an integral piece of the early childhood education policy and practice puzzle., Gilford offers a deeply informative, hands-on view of Head Start. This book links processes and outcomes that are so very critical for our young children and their families by addressing a myriad of challenges of meeting regulations, parent concerns, and, most importantly, the needs of precious, often energetic little ones. Combining research and best practices with practical tips, this book is a must-read for Head Start staff and others engaged with early childhood teaching and learning., Without a doubt Sidney Gilford [and his contributing authors have] a clear knowledge of this topic. What impresses me most is [their] ability to clearly articulate each chapter in a manner that is in-depth, pedantic, yet down to earth. This is a must read for any professional in the educational field., Gilford provides us with a resource for all involved with the early childhood education of children. It is a must read for teachers, administrators, and parents alike to better understand the contributions made by Head Start programs, and as a reminder of the complexities of the needs of young children – particularly those children most at risk.

Dr. Sid Gilford has more than 20 years experience with nonprofits and education; 15 of those years with Head Start; 10+ years in administration. Sid started with Head Start as an assistant teacher for a small program in Connecticut and later held various positions such as Chief of Staff Development, Training, and Monitoring for a large Head Start program in southern California and Director of what became a National Showcase Early Head Start program in Philadelphia. In addition to being adjunct faculty in undergraduate early childhood education and graduate education, Sid conducts workshops at state and national Head Start conferences.