Blog

While the nation is continuing to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s not forget about another crisis that our communities continue to fight every day: Opioids. Head Start Agencies across the country have been able to provide another branch of support for families affected by the opioid crisis, and continue to provide resources despite the intense…

At the end of last spring’s program year the country shut down based on expert advice on public health and safety. Programs moved to a virtual format and classrooms cleared out, but this did not mean that Head Start programs closed. Despite the dramatic change in procedures that the emergency inflicted, staff adapted and continued…

In the digital age there are many tools we are able to use to stay connected while working remotely and provide digital education. It is paramount that we use these tools to stay connected with parents and support them while at home with their kids. If children aren’t in classrooms, family services staff are even…

As we come around to the end of the summer, and the time of year again where we begin preparing for children to go back to school, there are many things to consider amid the COVID-19 crisis. Although many of the policies and procedures necessary for caring for children and staff during the pandemic should…

I recently listened to a new webinar from the Office of Head Start (OHS) titled, “Helping Children Thrive During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” In it, OHS Director, Dr. Deborah Bergeron is joined by OHS mental health lead, Dr. Sangeeta Parikshak, to discuss ways that we can help children make sense about what is happening around them…

The learning and growth of a child can be attributed to the involvement and engagement of both the mother and the father. When a child is able to experience both parent’s perspectives, they benefit from the wonderful balance that takes place. Engaging males can be a tremendous task, but we need it for our children.…

Last week, we watched a recorded webinar called “Fiscal Management During the COVID-19 Emergency.” The webinar, which first aired on May 22, featured Office of Head Start (OHS) Director, Dr. Deborah Bergeron, explaining the additional funding available through the CARES Act and how that funding will be distributed in the coming months. She opened the…

The Gravely Group stands with Black Lives Matter protestors and their fight to end systemic racism and injustice. Not to date myself too much, but I remember the 1960s. It was a transformative time for civil rights in America, with marches, protests, boycotts, sit-ins, and, yes, even riots, happening throughout the country calling for an…

September seems so far from now, doesn’t it? Where will things stand at that time? Will school be back in session? Even as states begin cautiously reopening some businesses, schools remain closed. However, most expect that school will be back in session in the fall. But what will that look like? As we try to…

Parents are often the most powerful leaders for change. Why is that? Well, it just so happens that effective parenting skills have a lot in common with effective leadership skills. Parents use powerful and complex leadership skills and abilities as they manage their households every day and guide their children in the little and big…