The Monthly Newsletter of the Florida Head Start Association October 2021
|
Help Support FHSA Actions by clicking the donate button.
|
Letter from the Executive Director
|
Head Start Awareness Month is here, but in my mind, it's always Head Start Awareness. Believe it or not, there are still people out there who don't know about Head Start. As members of FHSA, it's up to us to ensure we continue talking about the excellent benefits Head Start provides and the value it brings to our most at-risk children and families. Our goal is for Head Start to be seen as a partner in Florida when it comes to the early care and education landscape. Head Start programs can partner in various ways, and we encourage agencies to reach out to FHSA or their local Head Start program to see how we can collaborate. To learn more about Head Start's legacy, click here.
Delve into key moments in Head Start history! To explore the timeline to access archival photographs, videos, resources, and more click here.
Read Dr. Bernadine Futrell, Director, Office of Head Start Blog post "October is Head Start Awareness Month!", October 7, 2021
Over the past few months, all eyes have been on Congress during its reconciliation process and FY 22 budget. President Biden's request includes $11.9 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start, a $1.2 billion increase! Also, the President's proposal outlined the Administration's priority to make bold investments in early childhood education, including Universal PreK and Universal Child Care, with potential new possibilities for Head Start on the horizon. There is still a long way to go as nothing has been finalized. We will continue to watch and work with NHSA to keep you updated.
|
Get Ready, Registration Opening Soon!
|
FHSA is getting things ready for our 2022 Annual Conference & Expo which will be held March 2-4, 2022 at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando.
|
FHSA welcomes its newest members to the Executive Committee
|
During FHSA October 6, 2021 board meeting in Daytona Beach, Florida, the FHSA board of directors elected its newest members to the executive committee. Dr. Maite Riestra-Quintero, Assistant Director Early Childhood Programs - Head Start and Early Head Start Division Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department will serve as President, and Mrs. Heidi Rand, Director of Early Learning Programs, Mid Florida Community Services, Inc., will serve as Treasurer.
|
FHSA President
Dr. Maite Riestra-Quintero, Assistant Director Early Childhood Programs - Head Start and Early Head Start Division Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department
|
FHSA Treasurer
Heidi Rand, Director of Early Learning Programs, Mid Florida Community Services, Inc.
|
The FHSA board also welcomed three new directors to the board. Serving as the Southeast Director, Ms. Akia Davis, Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc., Director of Early Head Start, and Director-At-Large seats were filled by Ms. Nacole Guyton,
Senior Vice-President of Operations, Children's Home Society, and Ms. Maritza Vazquez, Emotional Support Specialist, Children’s Home Network. FHSA is beyond thrilled to be working with such talent as each of these individuals bring unique skills that will only transcend the association forward. For a complete list of FHSA 2021-2022 Board of Directors, click here.
|
Akia Davis, Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc.
|
Nacole Guyton, Senior Vice-President of Operations, Children's Home Society
|
Maritza Vazquez, Emotional Support Specialist, Children’s Home Network
|
What's Happening Around the State
|
Orlando Magazine featured FHSA members Children's Home Society in a recent piece highlighting their Early Head Start program and how they have continued to help families even through COVID-19 disruptions. This article solidifies the importance of Head Start/Early Head Start programs and their value to children and families and their communities.
Orlando Magazine, by Peter Proko, the October edition.
|
Mark your calendars for Children's Week Florida™️ 2022 , January 31 - February 4.
We hope your Head Start/Early Head Start program will join in the festivities by participating in the annual tradition of the Celebration of the Hands .
This stunning display of hand artwork will greet representatives, senators, advocates, families, and visitors alike as they are reminded that policy decisions made by the legislature impact Florida's children.
|
|
Continue Your Education with Tuition Benefits from the University of Arizona Global Campus
|
As members of the Head Start Association, you know the value and promise of an education. Education professionals know what it means to have doors opened for you and to be the person who opens a door for someone else. The University of Arizona Global Campus wants to open doors for you and your family with exclusive tuition savings available to Head Start employees and their immediate family members. You are invited to become a part of our community of learners.
The story of UAGC is the story of students from all walks of life reaching for their educational goals in programs designed with busy adults in mind, with the flexibility and support they need to thrive while also keeping up with life’s many responsibilities. Taking one course at a time allows you to focus on and master a topic before moving on to the next, and students in our education programs can attest to the impact they’ve seen in their lives and even in their classrooms.*
|
“This university is perfect for busy adults that live in the real world,” says Master of Arts in Special Education recipient Cara Nickels. “You can create a schedule and time frame that is conducive to your busy life. I was working as a teacher while also being a student. It was a unique opportunity that I could apply what I was learning in my courses into my own Kindergarten classroom.”
With an online classroom accessible from any device, anywhere you have internet access, a full suite of virtual tools and resources accessible any time of day, and expert and attentive faculty with real-world experience in their respective fields, you are able to thrive in a unique environment that stands out from other universities, complete with the clarity of expectations you need. Not to mention, you form significant bonds with a team of advisors who are available seven days a week to cheer you on and empower you with the confidence you can overcome any obstacle to reach your goal. Click here to continue reading.
|
NHSA Parent and Family Engagement Conference
|
FHSA welcomes NHSA back to the Sunshine State to host their 2021 Parent and Family Engagement Conference on December 13-16, 2021, at the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria properties in Orlando.
This year's event will explore a wide range of new resources, focus on early childhood development topics at the forefront and tackle how Head Start programs can address the needs of children, families, and staff. Registration is open through December 12.
|
|
|
