As another school year arrives, it’s gratifying to hear the results of a new national analysis showing the positive long-term effects of Head Start on its participants.

The Hamilton Project, an initiative of the Brookings Institution, released a report this month that shows Head Start’s impact reaches far into adulthood.

The analysis finds that Head Start attendees have a better chance of graduating high school, attending college and graduating or receiving a license or certification. Head Start alumni also exhibit social, emotional and behavioral development “that becomes evident in adulthood measures of self-control, self-esteem, and positive parenting practices,” the report said.

Families First of Minnesota, formerly Child Care Resource & Referral, provides Head Start in Albert Lea. We look forward to welcoming 68 3- and 4-year-olds into our program at Brookside this fall. We serve an additional 24 students from prenatal to age 3 through our Early Head Start program.

 

Jon Losness

executive director

Families First of Minnesota