<p><em><strong>A <a href="https://esme.com/voices/perspectives/whats-a-solo-mom" target="_blank" class="wordlink">Solo Mom</a> shares what she looks for when choosing a day-care provider</strong></em></p><p>The most important aspect of choosing a day-care provider is whether the provider is a good match for you and your child. Some families thrive with a large center, while others prefer an in-home setting with only a few children in the provider’s care. Either way, there are certain questions you should ask when visiting the provider.</p><ol> <li><strong>Ask about licensing.</strong> All day-care providers have to comply with state and local licensing requirements. Ask to see certification documents and the results of the licensing agencies’ last visit. While securing a license does not guarantee a provider will perform perfectly, it does show the provider is complying with basic regulations and there are no glaring issues.</li><li><strong>Ask about the adult-to-child ratio. </strong>You should only expect a one-to-one ratio between child and staff if your child is an infant under 12 months of age. For one-year-olds, the ideal ratio is 1:3; for two- and three-year-olds, it is 1:5; for three- and four-year-olds, it is 1:7; and for five-year-olds, it is 1:15. </li><li><strong>Ask about the facility’s philosophy on discipline. </strong>How do they respond when children who act out? Are their practices and philosophy in line with your beliefs?</li><li><strong>Ask about <a href="https://esme.com/resources/c/education" target="_blank" class="wordlink">education</a>.</strong> Does the center have a curriculum in place or follow a certain philosophy? Do they use an informal style of learning or conduct structured lessons?</li><li><strong>Ask if you can drop in when you choose.</strong> A provider should be open to random parent observations, with the possible exception of nap time. </li></ol><p>After you’ve done your homework, go with your gut. If you aren’t comfortable with a provider or a facility, but can’t quite put your finger on why, don’t doubt yourself. Move on to the next licensed provider on your list; your instincts can be an important guide.</p><hr><p><span style="font-size: 12px;">Photo Credit: By Airman 1st Class Hunter Brady [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</span><br></p>
<p><strong><em>Celebrating 50 years of Head Start</em></strong><br></p><p>“Five- and six-year-old children are inheritors of poverty’s curse and not its creators. Unless we act, these children will pass it on to the next generation, like a family birthmark.”</p><p>—President Lyndon B. Johnson in a 1965 speech announcing the implementation of the Head Start Program as part of his War on Poverty campaign</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><ul> <li>2015 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the nationwide Head Start Program. </li><li>Its tenets remain the premier model for granting children opportunities for success. </li><li>Graduates of Head Start have continued on to become members of Congress, Grammy-winning musicians, professors, and lawyers, among other noteworthy achievements. </li></ul><p><strong>Program basics</strong></p><p>The goal of Head Start is to provide a comprehensive developmental program that prepares children for a successful transition to elementary school. Since its inception, Head Start has been a reliable resource for single moms. Income-eligible children, aged three to five, are selected for inclusion. Programs for infants and toddlers also have become available. The program also strongly encourages the child’s family and community to become involved in the child’s learning. For Solo Moms, Head Start provides a bridge to community services and connects them to support groups and other <a href="https://esme.com/resources/c/parenting" target="_blank" class="wordlink">parenting</a> resources. </p><p><strong>How Head Start helps</strong> </p><p><em><a href="https://esme.com/resources/c/education" target="_blank" class="wordlink">Education</a>: </em>The program offers a variety of activities to help each child learn basic skills that will be needed in elementary school. Detection, intervention, and remediation of learning problems are strengths of this program.</p><p><em>Health:</em> Head Start offers medical necessities to children, including immunizations; dental, medical, and mental health services; nutritional services; and screenings for early identification of health problems.</p><p><em>Social services:</em> Outreach is available to families to determine what services their children need.</p><p><em>Interaction:</em> Parents are involved in the planning and implementation of Head Start activities. They serve on policy councils and committees that make administrative decisions, participate in classes and workshops on child development, and volunteer in the program.</p><p><em>Early Head Start:</em> This program offers comprehensive services to pregnant women and their children through age three with the triple goals of fostering prenatal health, enhancing very early child development, and establishing healthy family functioning. Early Head Start also helps with care for disabled children and can provide resources to parents whose children require vigilant supervision. Early Head Start coordinates with local Head Start programs to give children continuity of services as they grow older.</p><p><strong>Am I eligible?</strong></p><p>To participate in Head Start, the family’s income must fall below the federal poverty line. Local programs are allowed to serve up to 10% of children whose family income is over the poverty line. Program must use another 10% of open spaces for children with disabilities.</p><p><strong>If you think you and your child might benefit from joining the Head Start program, <a href="https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/family/For%20Parents/inside%20head%20start/frequently%20asked%20questions%20%28faqs%29/howdoiapplyfo.htm" target="_blank">click here</a> to find out if you are eligible.</strong></p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>Head Start provides vital education, health, social services, and early intervention support to low-income families.</p><hr>