Sacramento Head Start Alumni Association

Refuse to send staff to the follow-up STEP training NHSA letters

Oct 30, 2002

October 25, 2002

Dear Head Start Colleagues:

Recently you received a number of letters regarding the November 17 ?–
19, 2002 Head Start Mentor-Coach Conference for STEP Early Literacy
Specialist. In particular the National Head Start Association has asked
you ?“to refuse to send staff to the follow-up STEP training?” based upon a
number of points set fourth in a letter, October 4th from Ron Hendon,
Chairman of NHSA.

The California Head Start Association Board of Directors discussed this
position at its October 18, 2002 Board meeting in Burbank. I would
like to share with you the opinion of the Board:

1) It is most important that agencies follow their training plan to
determine participation in national, regional, and statewide or cluster
events. Each agency is best positioned to determine the cost and
benefits of training opportunities. A close review of your curriculum,
funding and current goals and objectives will be your best guide. Therefore,
if the training meets your need and you wish to send staff, you should.
If it does not, and you do not plan to send staff, that is your option.
CHSA would urge you to do what is best for your program. As noted in
the letter from Mr. Herndon, ?“local control of program operations has
been a hallmark of the Head Start program for 35 years.?”

2) It is very important that programs focus on classroom improvement
where needed and continue on being the model early childhood education
programs with high standards, over-all program achievement and strong
community partnerships. Clearly, Head Start is best when children and
families receive the very best resources, cutting edge curriculum, broad
health services and parent education that demonstrate specific outcomes.
In the next few months, as we proceed with reauthorization, programs
must be clear and prepared to articulate the impact our services make on
the lives of children and families.

3) As leaders we must stay tuned into the shifting winds of change and
be prepared to explain the programmatic and political environment we
operate in at this point in history. The California Head Start
Association, in partnership with other State and Regional Head Start
Associations, the National Head Start Association, early care and education
partners and effective advocates for children and families will continue to
support your awareness and positions. We look forward to providing you
with the most up-to-date information to keep you mindful and engaged.

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email with any questions
that may arise for you in this matter. I maybe reached at (925) 646-5989
or pstro@ccccsd.org

Cordially,


Dr. Patricia Stroh, President


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