Initial SUbmission: N/a
corrected submission:
Task 8 was written since there was no submission on the due date.
Total Action for Progress Evaluation:
Head Start Program
Chandell Mitchell
Old Dominion University
Background
TAP has assisted many families in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas. TAP consists of multiple programs, but this evaluation is specifically focused on the Head Start program. This program begins working with children from the age of 6 weeks to 4 years old. During this time period, the children are taught necessary learning skills. Head Start focuses on the children’s developmental track and ensures all objectives are being met. They follow a strict curriculum that prepares the children for their future as Kindergarteners. Not only does Head Start help the children, but they also assist the parents. They help parents continue their education; whether it be a trade or degree. There is also no fee for Head Start, which makes it easier for parents. For this evaluation, interviews and surveys were conducted with employees and participants.
Method
The first phase of the evaluation was to conduct interviews with employees. The interviews consisted of asking each employee at the Hurt Park location, how their curriculum compared to the public school’s pre-k curriculum. Many of the teachers agreed that the curriculum was very similar. The curriculum focuses mainly on learning skills and fine motor skills. They also teach the children simple things like how to use the restroom, and dental hygiene. Another question that was asked was, how does Head Start impact lower-income families?
Some teachers felt like they were more personally involved in the children’s life. A lot of the children that attend this specific location have been there since birth. So, the teachers are more like family to the parents, then just a teacher. Having a more personal connection to the children makes the process of learning easier for the children. Teachers were also asked what sort of qualifications were needed to work at Head Start. They need to at least have a high school diploma and a year experience working with children. Next, they must be willing to get their CDA, and of course, must have a CPR certification.
The second phase consisted of interviewing a handful of parents. All of the parents enjoyed bringing their children to Head Start. They could not stop raving about how much Head Start and TAP has not only helped their children excel but also helped them. Many of the parents are single young women. TAP has helped them meet their personal and educational goals. TAP had assisted one young woman with a plumbing issue in her home. Of course, it was no cost to her. The public-school system cannot aid in that way, that’s why she keeps her child at Head Start. Every single person had a story about how TAP had helped them out when they were in a bad situation.
Parents also felt like their children were better prepared for Kindergarten. The parents did mention that they do refer others to TAP. Especially the parents that want a better life for their children. The main reason they refer TAP and Head Start is because they can further their education. Which in return will allow them to provide a better life for their child. A lot of the attendees were referred to Head Start by word of mouth. Parents that did not want to participate in the interviews were given a quick survey.
The survey consisted of asking parent their overall satisfaction with Head Start. Parents that took the survey all agreed that they would and have recommended others to Head Start. Head Start exceeds their expatiations, and many do not expect for TAP to be so involved in their lives. They enjoy bringing their children to Head Start because everyone in the Hurt Park location is approachable and very relatable. Some of the teachers have been recipients of Head Start services. They feel like the staff has the qualifications needed to teach their children as well.
Results
Based on the surveys and interviews, one thing was repeated multiple times by parents and teachers. Head Start is underemployed, and there is a need for more teachers and assistants. There is also an increased need for volunteers. Employees agreed that the reason some individuals do not stay employed with Head Start is because of the pay. The teachers do and make a lot of sacrifices for the children. Of course, many don’t mind it because they love dealing with the children and parents. Many employees feel like volunteering is not something that is actively offered at Head Start. Volunteers could assist the teachers that may become overwhelmed in the classroom.
Not having enough teachers and volunteers could negatively impact Head Start over time. Eventually, there won’t be enough staff at this location. The teacher to student ratio would increase, and the teachers may become overwhelmed and overworked. This eventually could cause a higher turnover rate and cause this location to shut down. After time it would trickle down to other sites and cause them to close as well.
Recommendations
The first recommendation would be to be more active in advertising employment and volunteering. A lot of the teachers were referred by someone else or they had previously been participants of Head Start. In turn, it would cause for a lower teacher to student ratio. Plus, the current employees would be willing to stay with the organization. They wouldn’t be as overworked, as they have been in the past.
The second recommendation would be reaching out to local high school student who want to work with children. In order to work at Head Start, you have to at least have your High School diploma. With Head Start, it is a requirement to obtain your CDA, a year within employment. Head Start covers the cost of the teacher’s aide obtaining their CDA. Offering employment to individuals that consistently volunteer at Head Start would be beneficial as well. Not only, are you helping young adults by providing them with an education but also employment. Plus, you would be employing people within our community.
The main goal for Head Start is advertisement. Advertising employment opportunities and volunteerism would be beneficial. Not only would Head Start get the word out about their services, but it would also increase the support received from the community. There would be an increase in volunteers and could potentially increase the number of donations that are received. In turn, it could eventually lead to more locations being opened and more employment opportunities. TAP overall is focused on the community, so why not get the community more involved with programs offered.
In order to achieve the goal, TAP should first start by advertising on social media. Everyone has some sort of social media, so that would be a good way to get the younger crowd involved. Next, would be to put up local advertisements in the local news and radio stations. Another way is to start partnering with local high schools and colleges in the area. The partnership would consist of students that want to become educators or caseworkers. With the partnership, the student would be allowed to volunteer at Head Start and earn a credit towards their diploma or degree. The last step would be for TAP to hold a community function. A lot of people hear about TAP from word of mouth. Yes, that is a great way to get the program out there but its not good enough. Have a community function could bring in potential donations, employees, volunteers, and recipients. Many people have heard of TAP, but don’t know about all the services offered. The community function would be an excellent way to educate people about what’s going on in the community and how TAP is trying to change that.
Before conducting the evaluation, there were a few resources that were used to make sure the evaluation was completed as acutely as possible. Hoefer (1994), believes a good evaluation not only shows the strengths of a program but also its weakness. The article goes over a few simple rule’s professional must follow in order to conduct the proper evaluation. The first rule is that evaluations involve real questions, with the questions there is no purpose to conduct an evaluation. Hoefer(1994) provided multiple examples of how a proper evaluation should be conducted.
Regarding the high burn out rate Jones-Harden, Denmark, and Saul (2010), assessed that home visitors are mainly used for Head Start programs, which consist of low-income families. During the survey, they found that there was a high burn-out rate for home visitors. Head Start should consider doing more advertisements so the employees aren’t burned out and can complete their task without issues. Another controversial issue that has been reported is that Head Start is not as effective as pre-k. Researchers believe that Head Start programs cannot meet the needs of lower-income families (Wrobel,2012). The children that are involved in the program tend to be behind. With Head start programs the family’s needs are not being met due to the schedule. The argument is that the quality of the program is not up to par.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is up to TAP to provide superb services to parent and employees. Head Start is all about making sure individuals in the community excel. Without proper training and advertisement eventually, Head Start will be a program of the past. Parents would be less likely to peruse their dreams and the children may become victim to their own community. Hopefully, after reading this evaluation some of the goals and recommendations are put into effect.
References
Hoefer, Richard. (1994). A Good Story Well Told: Rules for Evaluating Human Services Programs. Social Work, 39(2), 233-36.
Jones Harden, Denmark, & Saul. (2010). Understanding the needs of staff in Head Start programs: The characteristics, perceptions, and experiences of home visitors. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(3), 371-379.
Wrobel, S. (2012). From threat to opportunity: A Head Start program’s response to state-funded pre-K. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 35(1), 74-105.