Head Start programs provide educational activities to participating students, aiming to minimize differences between disadvantaged students and their peers upon entrance to kindergarten. Educational activities are not limited to intellectual development, but include lessons designed to boost physical and social skills. According to the Portland Public Schools Department of Head Start, children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes toward continued learning. Head Start lessons focus on relaying developmentally appropriate skills through real-life activities.
Comprehensive health education for students and parents is a strong component of the Head Start initiative. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, programs are required to dedicate at least 10 percent of their total spaces to serving students with disabilities. The Head Start curriculum provides education and awareness about basic nutrition and the principles of a healthy lifestyle. Programs aid families in identifying disabilities and gaining access to low-cost health care in the community.
The Head Start initiative seeks to inspire parents to take an active role in their children's education at school and in the home. Parents are provided with opportunities to participate in program administration by serving on committees. Program administrators also focus on educating parents by leading workshops on physical and educational progress. Parents are trained to become advocates for their students and families, according to the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center.
Head Start program teachers and employees are extensively trained in providing parents with culturally appropriate community resources for wellness. Parents are directed toward local sources for health care, immunizations, nutritional support and other resources. Recognizing each student as not only a part of a family, but also part of a community, is a critical component of the Head Start mission. This goal is achieved in part through providing graduating families with access to continued community support.