They developed early reading and math skills; now, hundreds of students attending Head Start-Preschool sites throughout Fresno County will embark on a new educational journey … kindergarten. Last week those preschoolers, their parents,
and Head Start staff took part in the year-end celebrations.

“Students leave Head Start with an excellent educational foundation,” says Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission’s Head Start Director Tamala Olsby. “They have gained the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary for academic success.”

Last year, over 3,300 low-income children, including children with disabilities, enrolled in Head Start. They received classroom or “home base” education along with social, medical, dental, nutritional, and mental health services.

Parents are key to their child’s educational success. Head Start parents are encouraged to be directly involved in the program, both in the classroom and the decision-making process. “We have learned that the children who are most successful,” explains Olsby, “are those whose parents took an active role in their education. Our parents serve as classroom volunteers and help make crucial decisions regarding the budget, curriculum planning, staff hiring, and training.”