Week 1 (July 14 – 18, 2014): Directors

Everyone has a role to play in helping children meet school readiness goals! The Office of Head Start OHS defines school readiness as “children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life.”

Each week, the School Readiness Spotlight Series will highlight a different role in Head Start. Find out what school readiness means for you and how your position impacts school readiness goals. Share useful resources and identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth. This week focuses on Head Start directors.

How Directors Support School Readiness

Head Start directors provide vision and leadership in the development, understanding, and purpose of school readiness goals. They work with staff, governing body, Policy Council, and community members to develop and implement long- and short-term program and school readiness goals.

Resources for Directors

Explore the resources below to deepen your understanding of what school readiness means for you.

Improving School Readiness and Promoting Long-Term Success: The Head Start Roadmap to Excellence

Guide staff, governing body and Policy Council members, and the community in the development of long- and short-term program and school readiness goals.

What Head Start Leaders Need to Know: Management Systems

Establish a continuous improvement planning process that addresses all Head Start management systems. Ensure that progress toward goals is being assessed periodically, and no less than three times per year.

Data in Head Start and Early Head Start: Creating a Culture that Embraces Data

Employ ongoing monitoring to aggregate and analyze data. Use the data to evaluate progress toward goals and make mid-course corrections when needed.

Next Steps

Visit the School Readiness portal to review the steps toward school readiness. Find more resources and read stories from the field.

Questions?

Please send your comments or questions to PMFOinfo@edc.org or call 1-800-763-6647.

Subscribe to receive more information about how you can support school readiness.

Thank you for the work you do every day on behalf of children and families!

Source: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center and the Head Start National Centers