Policy and Advocacy

Early childhood experiences determine how well a child performs in school and beyond. All young children deserve a quality early educational experience and New York Head Start Association recognizes and embraces our role as the major and most successful provider of early educational services to the neediest of New York’s children. We commit to continuing to ensure that New York’s Head Start programs contribute to making the American dream possible.

New York Head Start Association’s Head Start programs maintain commitment to continuous quality improvement, constantly seeking more effective approaches to meeting the needs of the children and families we serve. New York Head Start’s program performance standards provide a foundation for high quality and in-depth services for these families.

Using evidence-based methods and field-driven research, we will continue to improve our standards and the quality of New York’s
programs to fit current needs and challenges and to achieve the outcomes needed for New York’s children and families. New York Head Start Association will work continuously to meet the changing needs of America’s poorest families, while always maintaining a focus on the core values that drive our services.

The reasons for early investment are clear.  Become informed and stay educated and connected in the important fight to provide quality early educational services to the neediest of New York’s children. 

Check back often to view our advocacy alerts, read our policy agendas and find out how you can make a difference.

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    Studies have shown that Head Start children experience increased achievement test scores, decreased grade repetition and special education needs, and increased graduation rates
    (Barnett, 2002; Garces, Thomas and Currie, 2002)