Head Start is making a difference! 

Letter to a Head Start Program Director:

 Good Morning Mrs. Channell,

As we embark on our last week with our little Head Start child, I wanted to thank you for all you have done for her and for our family.

I know that people question if Head Start really has an impact, and if it makes a difference....please let everyone know that YES it does. You know how it has changed our family...and look at how it instilled a love of learning in Ariana!

Head Start is where she began to love to learn. She began to know how much fun it was to read, and what it meant to show love and compassion for others.

Yesterday was her Senior Awards Ceremony. She received: President's Educational Gold, National Honor Society, Center for Environmental Science Honors, and recognition for her NOYCE full tuition scholarship to Randolph-Macon College. This is in addition to the Growing Our Own Ceremony in which Ariana received her graduation cords for the teacher-prep classes she had taken and the fact that she had passed the ParaPro exam to become a well-qualified Teacher's Assistant.

She will be back in a few years teaching Chemistry to other Prince William County Students.

Does Head Start really make a difference in the life of a child? Just look at this one!

Thank you!

The Importance of EHS, Danielle’s Story

Lei’Lani and I created relationships and trusting bonds with everyone we came into contact with at Early Head Start. During Lei’Lani’s first 18 months of her life, I attended college online through University of Phoenix.

Successfully back on track at Child Development Resources

Patricia’s family first became involved in CDR’s Early Head Start program during Patricia’s brief incarceration for a nonviolent drug offense, while her mother cared for her almost two year old son, Troy. Grandma Shirley asked for help in managing some of Troy’s challenging behaviors and preparing for Patricia’s return home.

A leader developed at Shenandoah Valley Head Start

Two years ago we met a mother with a child enrolled in the program. She was interested in volunteering, governance and leadership. She ran to be a classroom representative and was elected by her peers.

She was then elected to be the Policy Council representative. She served well and occasionally ran in the District Planning Team meeting. She helped on interview teams as well.